If you were with us last year on Mother’s Day, you may remember that I spoke about Mary, Jesus’s mother. And, I said that Jesus loved his mother very much (and since we love Jesus) it’s okay for us to love his mother, too.
Sometimes, we think that Mary is just for Catholics, or if that we pray to Mary, then we’re somehow overshadowing Jesus or practicing idolatry.
But Mary and all the saints and holy figures were never pointing to themselves: they were always pointing to God.
And, it can be helpful for us sometimes to pray to a female holy figure, especially when we need to feel some Motherly Love.
I love the quote that is on the front cover of our bulletin today. It comes from the 13th Century Christian mystic, Julian of Norwich, who said, “Just as truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our Mother.”
God is both Father and Mother. And, Jesus, the Son of God, was that perfect blend of the Divine Father and Mother.
Yes, we see Jesus in the gospels brandishing a whip and overturning tables, but he we more often see him demonstrating “motherly” qualities of compassion and care.
You may remember in Luke’s gospel, Chapter 13, where Jesus describes himself as a Mother Hen, gathering her chicks under the protection of her wings.
And, in today’s Gospel message for the 4th Sunday of Easter, Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd.
It’s such a comforting image for us, isn’t it? I remember when I was a little boy, we had a framed picture of Jesus gently cradling a cute little baby lamb in his arms. So very loving and nurturing.
But, you know, back in Jesus’s day, sheep weren’t considered to be ‘cute’ little creatures. Sheep were considered to be “unclean” by the religious authorities. Therefore, being a shepherd was not a very well-respected profession.
Being a shepherd was kind of considered a last-ditch option for men who couldn’t find other way of earning a living. Shepherds smelled and they were dirty, both literally and morally, in the eyes of many.
And, that is why it is so remarkable that Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd, not a king. He, once again, is aligning himself with the outcast, with the “least of these.”
And, notice in today’s gospel message, it says that the people didn’t understand what Jesus was saying to them, because, you see, they were still expecting a messiah, a king.
But by referring to himself as a ‘shepherd,’ Jesus was trying to let them know that he is a different kind of king, a king who cares lovingly and compassionately for each and every creature in his kingdom.
As we hear in Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd leads us beside still waters, makes us lie down in green pastures, and provides for all of our needs.
One of my favorite books about Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” is called, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, which was written by Philip Keller, who, himself, was a shepherd.
Keller tells us from his experience that in order for sheep to find rest they must meet 4 requirements. He says, “It is almost impossible for sheep to lie down unless these four requirements are met.”
He says, “They must be free of fear. They must be free from friction with others of their kind. They must be free of pests. They must be free from hunger.”
The same is true for us, my friends. Our souls will never be at rest if we’re fearful, agitated, resentful, discontent.
When we are feeling those things, we are not listening to the voice of the shepherd – to the inner voice of love – but rather to the outer voices of others, whom Jesus calls “thieves and bandits,” because they rob us of our peace.
Scripture tells us to “be still and know.” In the quiet of prayer and meditation, we attune ourselves more fully to the voice of the shepherd.
Some have referred to this voice as your inner G.P.S. (your God Positioning System). Just as the voice of the G.P.S. in your car will lead you and guide you back home, the Voice of the Shepherd will lead you and guide you to pastures of plenty, where your soul will find rest.
We, in the United Church of Christ, say, “God is Still Speaking.” That’s why our logo is comma, not a period. God is still speaking, but are you listening?
Are you attuned to the Divine voice (the inner voice of love) or are you attuned to those other voices: the voices of fear, resentment, anxiety and lack?
When you follow those other voices – those of the world, the voices of the ego, those bandits and thieves – your soul will never find rest.
But through the spiritual practices of mindfulness, prayer, and meditation, you can become more attuned to the shepherd’s voice –to that still, small voice within you.
The voice that says, “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” The voice that says, “Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.”
So, my friends, I hope you will find time each and every day this week, to attune yourself more fully to the voice of the inner shepherd.
When you allow this voice to lead you and comfort you, you, too, will can experience pastures of plenty where you soul shall can find rest.