Constellations of Wonder: Good Shepherd

The contemplation of the stars was the noblest of all sciences for the ancients. The result of their study of the night sky was to see clusters of stars as images, and then tell a story about that animal or person as the constellation moved across the night sky. For us, the contemplation of the Bible is a noble task. Contemplating the people and stories that have come down to us from our spiritual ancestors is gratifying as they chart the work of God across the ages. 

This Advent at Saint Luke, we the gazers of 2022, contemplate the names used in the Bible for Jesus. We will gaze upon the texts and share our insights about what we see.  Just as with constellations, as we share our reflections, questions, and thoughts with one another, our light shines brighter and we see things that we never would have discovered on our own. Join us as we cast our Advent journey to Christmas in a new and rewarding light. 

Today’s reflection is from Gretchen & Paul DiSciascio. They have been at Saint Luke for 6 years. Paul sings in the choir and Gretchen teaches 6th grade Sunday School. 


THE LIGHT

"I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep." -John 10:11

As I reflect on what a shepherd really does, the act of taking all three of our children comes to mind. The shepherd's job is to try to keep the herd of sheep together, to keep eyes on them to be assured of their safety, to keep them from doing anything that threatens their health and safety, and then to usher them all safely back home. Let me assure you, friends, this is no easy task. See, sheep are not deep thinkers. They see something that looks interesting, and they head over to check it out.

Sheep have their own personalities. Some sheep are timid, and stick close to the group and their caretaker, much like my eldest child. You'll rarely find him doing something ill advised, and a quick prompt to pay attention to something is all he really needs to be kept safe. Some sheep are confident and a bit maternal. They help the shepherd by mothering the other sheep, nudging them to safety, guiding them to the good food, generally being calm and gentle. This is our youngest child.  She's always helping, looking out for others, and reminding her brothers and her friends around her when they're definitely not making great choices. She doesn't feel the need to stick close, but we can generally trust her to wander cautiously and come back. Then there's that curious sheep that sees something it wants and runs after it. It gives no thought to safety, or to any outside considerations. It sees what it wants and goes after it with an unshakeable tenacity. This is my middle child. 

Many of you are reading this and giggling at his frequent antics right now. The maternal sheep bleats at him, and he ignores her. The shepherd calls to him, and is yet again ignored. A good shepherd knows his sheep, and loves them. He knows that sheep is going to do something ridiculous, and prepares to protect him from any dangers that will inevitably arise. The shepherd knows as he gets out of bed to head off for a day of shepherding that his sheep will be who they are that day, and yet he heads out anyway, ready to jump in front of wolves and moving vehicles to keep them from harm and bring them home safely. The Good Shepherd, like a good parent, is always there to pick you up when you mess up, to show you the way when you're willing to pay attention, and to love and guide you along the way. Whichever kind of sheep you are, He is there, unfailingly, holding out his staff to help and guide you. Day after day, He helps, comforts, and guides us through the good and the bad. 

Father, we thank you for sending Jesus to shepherd and guide us through our ups and downs. We are filled with awe of your abounding and unfailing love for us. We are truly sorry for leaving the path, and we are grateful for the Good Shepherd who is always there to help and guide us home. Amen