As we move amid traffic and noise in a world of mobile phones and emails, computers and internet, ROMs and RAMs, CDs and DVDs, Star-Trek and Warp Speed, we are not likely to be thinking of pastoral scenes of cows, fields, sheep and shepherds, tractors and vets, unless we are rurally situated. To many city dwellers, agricultural life is a world remote in time and space.
Three thousand years ago, when the "Good Shepherd" psalm (Psalm 23) was written, a shepherd's life was a very important one and his ability to take care of the sheep alotted to him reflected on his whole village, whose livelihood and food-chain depended on their ability to feed, care for, and defend the sheep committed to their care. It was a communal responsibility. The life of the caring shepherd was not just a pretty story to inspire poetry, paintings and pastoral symphonics. It had vital implications.
Psalm 23 evokes an immediate response from whichever world we inhabit. The Good Shepherd of the Old Testament was expected to put his life on the line to defend his charges from natural dangers, marauding wolves, thieves and brigands. The modern Good Shepherd is expected to care deeply for his or her people, work tenaciously for the needs of his/ her charges, foresee problems, and lead the way home or safety with vision, hope and insight.
Jesus himself was a Good Shepherd who led his sheep (his disciple and followers) to living water, fed them with finest wheat, spoke up for them when opposition and rejection were coming to a crescendo of deadly hostility towards him and his followers. He shared his vision for their lives and future, and put his life on the line for them when called on. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep."
For many people the critical verses of the Good Shepherd Psalm are: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall not fear. You are there with your rod and staff to give me comfort." This was God's promise to his people in the Old Testament which reaches new heights in the New Testament in Jesus. The "valley of the shadow of death" can mean anything from the deepest darkness of sickness, depression or addiction to financial or domestic troubles. It's important to reflect how Jesus does not say he will take our troubles away, but that he will walk the distance with us; he will be a friend to us in our time of great need. Ultimately, Jesus will guide us, protect us and lead us to our eternal home.
St Bernard commented: "He is the Good Shepherd, who gives His life for the sheep ... the one for their redemption, the other for their food. O mighty marvel! He is himself the shepherd of the flock, their pasturage and their redemption's price."
The Good Shepherd Psalm is not just a prayer; it is a spirituality for everyone. Whether we come from an agricultural or urban background, whether we are involved in economics or real estate, borrowing or lending, we all need to have and to be good shepherds.
"The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose,
Near restful waters he leads me to revive my drooping spirit.
He guides me along the right paths to be true to his name.
Even though I walk the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil;
You are there with your crook and your staff to give me comfort.
You prepare a banquet for me in the sight of my foes,
You anoint my head with oil, my cup brims over.
Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
May the Good Shepherd always guide you and protect you.
F.McN.