The Heart of a Shepherd

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alert, be watchful, gentle, intentions, leader, sacred heart of Jesus, sheep, shepherd, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, unconditional love

It’s interesting to me that on this feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the readings lead us to the relationship between a shepherd and his/her sheep. It makes sense, however, if we consider the care that a dedicated shepherd shows to the sheep. What might that mean?

1. A good shepherd leads the sheep rather than herding them from behind.
2. A shepherd is careful to watch the sheep and protect them from eating poisonous plants or encountering dangerous predators.
3. In most cases, shepherds lead their sheep each day to fresh grazing areas of good forage and bring them back to the same area each night.
4. When one sheep decides to go somewhere, others follow so the shepherd must be alert to the “intentions” and actions of the sheep.
5. Sheep have excellent peripheral vision, being able even to see what is behind them without even turning their heads, but they cannot see what is right under their noses, so need the guidance of a shepherd.
6. The relationship of shepherd to sheep is generally a gentle one and caring. To quote Jesus: “I know mine and mine know me.” (Wikipedia)

It’s easy to see why the image of “the Good Shepherd” is fitting for this feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the symbol of unconditional love. If we, then, are the sheep of that Good Shepherd, how blessed are we to be so cared for!

The Morning After

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affirmation, encouragement, gentle, humble, labor of love, Macrina Wiederkehr, Pentecost, shelter, Spirit of God, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, transforming power

Sometimes the day after a big celebration can be a “letdown.” I have an image before me of a huge gathering space with folding chairs that need to be folded and all sorts of trash that (if you’re lucky) is gathered up into barrels or bags but maybe still needs to be picked up, decorations that are either able to be rescued for another day or totally useless now…and fatigue is the only thing left except for a memory of joy or love or something beautiful which makes the fatigue worthwhile.

Even with spiritual celebrations, the day after may be less than thrilling as ordinary life begins again. It is on those days – like today – that we must remember the peak times, going inside and turning our hearts to the ever-present Spirit of God. Macrina Wiederkehr is here this morning with the perfect prayer to help us regain the beauty of Pentecost. May it rekindle the fire in our hearts for this Monday and beyond.

O Spirit, come. Come with your transforming power. Breathe upon and into my thoughts and actions this day. Let my work be a labor of love. May those who come in contact with me feel sheltered and cared for. May I do or say some small piece of goodness that will help others feel affirmed and supported. Let your wind and fire move me into the places where I am needed. Let me become your breath so that I may assist you in breathing new life into places that are stale and unfruitful. Make me forceful and gentle, powerful and humble. O Spirit, Come! (Seven Sacred Pauses, p. 84)

Consent

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beauty, Blessed Mother, energy, gentle, humble, Jesus, light, Mary, peaceful, praise, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Thinking today about a song dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Gentle Woman), I am reminded of her wonderful role in the lives of many women through the centuries, especially mothers. As the song sings praise to Mary, it opens out in a lovely last verse with the words: Blessed are you among women! Blessed in turn all women too! Blessed are they with gentle spirits; blessed they with peaceful hearts…Mary knew very early her role in life. Her consent was required, as is ours. Today I offer three quotes that speak to me of the fullness of her consent even while not knowing what God would ask of her going forward. I suggest we all (men too!) think on these things in light of our own willingness to consent to God’s action in our lives.

I belong to the Lord, body and soul. Let it happen as you say. (LK 1:38 – J.B. Phillips translation)

Creator of the Dawning Sun, draw me with your eternal energy. Filter your transforming glow through every inner fiber of mine until I am transparent with the power of your enlightening beauty. (A prayer of Joyce Rupp)

I cannot cause light. The most I can do is to put myself in the path of its beam. (Annie Dillard)

The Blessing of Your Words

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affirming, gentle, healing, love, resilience, safe, silent listening, surprise, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, true, voice, Word made flesh, words

I read the following reflection this morning and thought it a good start for the day and a worthy companion all the day long.

O Word Made Flesh, stand guard at the gate of my mouth. Be my voice this day that the words I speak will be healing, affirming, true and gentle. Give me wisdom to think before I speak. Bless the words in me that are waiting to be spoken. Live and abide in my words so that others will feel safe in my presence. Surprise me with words that have come from you. Oh, place my words in the kiln of your heart that they may be enduring and strong, tempered and seasoned with love and resilience. Give me a well-trained tongue that has been borne out of silent listening in the sanctuary of my heart. May my words become love in the lives of others.      (Macrina Wiederkehr)