FIRST LOOKS: Here we take a look at the theme of the coming week.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
Historically this is called Misericordia Domini Sunday. That is the Latin phrase for “the goodness of the Lord.” Not surprisingly, though, this Sunday is usually remembered as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” because of the wonderfully comforting image of Jesus as our good shepherd.
When we think of Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we frequently think of Him as He is pictured on the bulletin cover. He is carrying a little lamb to safety while the rest of the flock follows Him. That is a very appropriate image in fact, for He is the One who leaves the 99 sheep safe while He seeks out the lost.
In our readings for today, however, we see instead the shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Savaged by wolves, suffering and bleeding, in an agony of pain, the Good Shepherd drives off the wolves and saves the flock at mortal cost to Himself.
In the Gospel, John 10:11 ff, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In the Old Testament Lesson Ezekiel writes (34:11 ff) “For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them… I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” In the Epistle, Peter says, (1 Peter 2:25) “for you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
In all three of the lessons there is the element of danger with the shepherd as the rescuer. Truly, Jesus is our rescuer, our savior, from sin. He is also our rescuer from the spiritual perils of this world, leading us by means of His word.