(~) Called to Shepherd or Mother One Another

Fourth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2006

Acts 4:5-12 Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18

Some years ago when I was in Israel with an interfaith tour group, I learned a few things about shepherding by observing and listening to some shepherds (male and female) who were tending their flocks (by day in this case, not by night).

We noticed that these shepherds found places for their sheep to feed, even though we tourists were unable to see any growing vegetation on these seemingly barren hills. I was reminded that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, provides for both our spiritual and physical needs even when our own resources seem barren.

We noticed that whenever the sheep sensed danger, they would scurry to their shepherd in search of comfort and security. I was reminded that we can always turn to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, whenever we are confronted with spiritual or physical danger.

We also noticed that whenever the sheep would stray too far from their shepherds, each of those sheep tenders had a distinctive noise he or she would make, causing the sheep to respond and head toward the direction of the sound. There the sheep would find more feeding opportunities or protection from imminent danger. I was reminded that each week we are called to our places of worship where we are spiritually refreshed, nourished by God's Word and offered the assurance of God's continuing love and protection.

This experience taught us that when a shepherd is in front of the flock, leading his or her sheep, the sheep and lambs are being led to safety or to nourishment. However, when a shepherd is behind the sheep, driving them -- they are on their way to the slaughterhouse. I was reminded that as a pastor (a word that means shepherd) my pastoring (shepherding) is to lead God's flock, not to drive them.

I am also reminded that shepherding bears many similarities to mothering -- and that all of us are called upon to shepherd or mother one another. We are here to love each other by providing, protecting, and nourishing one another whenever a need arises among us. As sheep and lambs of God's flock, we are all people of God's creation. We belong to the Shepherd who knows us (John 10:14) and who "came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest" (John 10:10, CEV).

This week's Reflection was prepared by the Rev. Robert H. Wilson, an ordained minister with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who currently serves as interim Pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church, New Brunswick, NJ.