Easter, 4th Sunday (A) Jesus is the leader we have been looking for. He loves his sheep, cares for them, and lays down at the entrance to the sheep fold. His own body saves the sheep from the dark and nasty outside.

Jesus does not promise that our lives, or our church, will be free of thieves and robbers. But he does promise that he will always be there. If we stay close to the shepherd, we will be fine. Be careful whom you listen to.

Yesterday I had a beautiful family wedding. I started looking back and wondering what I would have told myself from 20 years ago. I could have never guessed all the hard times ahead of me. But the most difficult moments were the most profound experiences of God's faithful presence. No matter what is going on outside, or inside, stay close to the Shepherd and you will find peace.

(3 May 2020)

Thank you Paula for your support! Congratulations on your May anniversaries and Happy Birthday to all the May babies!

Going Deeper: Go back through your old photographs and consider the you who was half your age. Write your younger self a letter. How has the Good Shepherd cared for you in the intervening years?

Memorize the 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
he makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

(Version is the the Ignatius Bible)