Pastor’s Corner “Singing with the Good Shepherd”

As Anglicans, our Sunday Scriptures are determined by our “lectionary,” a list of appointed readings. On the fourth Sunday of Easter, every year the Gospel reading is a portion of John 10. In that Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). It’s for this reason we call this particular Sunday “Good Shepherd Sunday.”

Fernando Ortega’s “The Good Shepherd” is one of my favorite songs about this aspect of Jesus’ self-revelation. Using Jesus’ words in John 10:7-18, he creates a lyrical, prayerful dialogue with our Shepherd. In the first movement, Jesus sings an invitation to you, followed by a promise:

I Am the Good Shepherd

I lay down My life for you

Enter in, enter in, enter in

I Am the Good Shepherd

As the Father knows Me, I know you

And no one can take you away

In the second movement, you sing an invitation back to Jesus, and accept his promise as true:

You are the Good Shepherd

You lay down Your life for me

Enter in, enter in, enter in

You are the Good Shepherd

As the Father knows You, You know me

And no one can take You away

I encourage you to take time this week and listen to this song as a conversation between you and Jesus. And remember that a powerful way of embodying this prayer is joining us for Eucharist this Good Shepherd Sunday…

…which this year also happens to be Mother’s Day! What an opportunity to acknowledge how the heart of a loving mother expresses the heart of the Shepherd.

Your Pastor in Christ, 

P.S. Many of you have asked for the name of the restaurant I mentioned in my sermon a couple of weeks ago. Paul and I happily recommend Hector’s of Lakeridge Authentic Mexican Restaurant. I know they would appreciate you bringing a hearty appetite…and being the Peace and Presence of Jesus. (Tip generously as part of that Presence!)