Today’s Gospel includes only verses 27–30 of John Chapter 10. Only those three verses will be proclaimed, out of the 30 verses in which Jesus teaches listeners about his being the Good Shepherd. It’s a good example of why one should take a look at the uncut version—the director’s cut, if you will: John 10, verses 1-30.
It also helps to learn something of how sheep were actually kept in Jesus’ time. The shepherd got up early in the morning to lead the sheep out of the sheepfold, where they spent the night. The shepherd had to watch them all day (sheep are noted for straying), and had to guide them to water, which in those arid lands could be miles and miles away.
At night, the shepherd brought them back to the fold, checked to see that none were missing, and kept watch during the night so the sheep would be safe.
It was a long, hard job, with terrible hours, great responsibility and not much pay.
Sounds like a job description for pastoral musicians, doesn’t it? Caring for those who need your skills, making sure they’re properly hydrated (can’t sing with a dry throat), knowing your flock as thoroughly as biblical shepherds did—because they know you, too. They can tell whether you care; they look to you for leadership; they trust you to lead them in right paths and refresh their souls. The music you choose can lift up their hearts—or deaden their spirits with flabby theology, trite music or poorly constructed texts.
As the Lord told Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
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from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C).
This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org