The Radical Shepherd, The Reverend David R. Williams, Easter IV--Year C--April 29, 2007

Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold; feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Amen

“What does love mean?”

Some adults posed this question to a group of four-to-eight year olds.  The answers from these little people amazed the grown-ups.

“What does love mean?”

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore.  So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too.  That’s love.”  Rebecca, age eight.

“Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” Terri, age four.

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”  Bobby, age seven.

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.”  Tommy, age six.

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.”  Mary Ann, age four.

These refreshing witnesses of love shepherd all of us into a more profound understanding of the Spirit of God.

This fourth Sunday in Easter is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because of the reading of the ever so familiar Twenty-third Psalm.

Jesus constantly refers to his relationship with his disciples and the people of God with the image of Shepherd and sheep. Even Jesus captures and makes use of the ancient image of the great King David.  King David’s career begins as a shepherd.

“When my grandfather’s arthritic hands paint my grandmother’s toes, that’s love.”  The image from the soul of a six-year old shepherds us, humbles us, stops us in our tracks, enlightens us.

The image of a lone young gunman violently stealing the lives of thirty-two fellow students and faculty betrays any sense of order, peace, security, and, surely, human love.  In the moments after hearing such traumatic news, we feel lost in emotions of grief and bewilderment.  “Someone shepherd us to a clearer and sensible understanding of such bloody tragedy,” we pray.

It is hard to imagine what the families of the victims have lived through during the past two weeks – and how the surviving college community continues its life and work together.

“Though I walk through the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for you are with me.”

The Reverend Barbara Crafton’s words last Sunday consoled us.  Her perspective of the South Korean-American gunman and his family humanized any “demonic” image of this intensely troubled young man, his family now under siege and threat. The Korean-American culture is unique, embedded in Christian values, a strong sense of right and wrong. Something went terribly, tragically awry.

The serene picture of the Shepherd with a lamb over his shoulders and standing by the rippling peaceful waters is truly a bucolic scene – pastoral, rustic, peaceful – that is, until we notice that the table spread with abundant food also happens to be surrounded by darkness, by mysterious enemies coming from nowhere.

“We still have no explanation of the intentions of Seung-Hui Cho,” a recent headline says.

 “…the valley of the shadow of death.”

Six paratroopers are killed and many more are wounded by one car bomb – in one day.  The war in Iraq is a mystery to most of us.  A military force, carrying the American flag, follows daily orders, does its job with such bravery and loyalty to one another and country.  And yet our politicians behind the war are unable to clearly define the enemy fought by our good young people are fighting. We hear many words: insurgents, Sunni, Shia, El Qaeda, Baathist.  They all seem to have killers amongst them who would even destroy each other—and for what? We do not understand.

“I walk through the darkest valley…”

We pray weekly, some of us daily for our soldiers serving so boldly: Adam Smith, nephew of Nancy and Daryl Smith. Donnie Yizar, husband of Robyn, grandson-in-law of Les Plumb.  We want them to be shepherded home safely. Soon.

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen,” says Bobby, age seven.

Psalm 23 speaks of valleys that are like night, filled with deep shadows.  The Psalmist speaks of paths of righteousness, ways of justice.

A darker cast pervades the scene, not as pleasant to contemplate. The sheep become more complicated creatures.  At times during our own life journeys, we are those sheep.

But, in the light of the Good Shepherd, we feel hope and promise.

A faithful group of Holy Comforter, the Shepherds, today welcomes newcomers to our church family by graciously hosting a luncheon following this service. There are many who are new to Holy Comforter. We trust that each of you may find your souls restored through troubling times in your lives, discovering still waters and paths of righteousness as you live into the life and ministry of this good parish. We look forward to getting to know each of you, your families and your stories.

On another positive note, a shepherding group by the name Holy Comforter Mission Fund is highlighted today through a “Lobster-less” fundraiser.

People touched by darkness of poverty, disease and simple bad luck may be brought to “still waters” of hope and comfort because of a few dollars offered through the Mission Fund.

“You prepare a table before me (even) in the presence of my enemies.”

As Jesus takes a winter walk in the grand temple of Solomon during a holy festival, he is confronted by folks of his own religious family.  The people challenge Jesus and demand an answer: “Are you the Shepherd, the Messiah?” Jesus had often used the image of the Shepherd to define his relationship with the people of God.

The people want to know: “Could Jesus really be saying that he is the Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah, the Shepherd of all Shepherds?”

Rather than answer the question, Jesus chooses to model Christianity living. It is not what I say, but what I do, Jesus implies.

“My sheep hear my voice.  I know them and they follow me.  No one will snatch them out of my hand.”

And then Jesus testifies to an intriguing truth: “The Father and I are one.”

“The Lord is my Shepherd.”

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” Tommy, age six.

Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold; feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.