Reflection

Reflecting on the rich and engaging storytelling of MaryLou Driedger this past Sunday as she preached on the theme, “I am the Good Shepherd,” I find myself reflecting on the parable of the lost sheep this morning as I sit down at my computer to write this reflection.

Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. (Luke 15:4-5)

For the sake of brevity, I will set aside the questions in my pragmatic mind about the wisdom of leaving ninety-nine sheep untended in the wilderness. Today I find myself musing about our God, who is at once Creator of all and Shepherd who cares so attentively for each one. It’s a marvel to me, that both of these things can coexist so seamlessly!

And I find myself wondering how being inspired by this image of God as Good Shepherd might help me to pay more attention to the ways in which I can find encouragement in the difference that can be made, one person at a time. Let me offer some examples.

I think about the Volunteer Visitor lunch hosted last week by the Caregiving Committee, and about the difference each person who attended, is making in the lives of the seniors with whom they connect.

I think about the seeds of love being sown in the lives of children from our neighbourhood as Bethel volunteers in our reading program devote time each week for eight weeks, listening to these children read aloud and giving them individual attention and support.

I think about the people who faithfully pray for our pastoral team, offering support and encouragement to each one of us pastors that matters so much in our work here at Bethel.

The good news is that offering care to one other person is something that’s accessible to most of us, whatever our stage of life — from children choosing to play with a classmate who looks lonely during recess, to seniors taking a moment to listen to a neighbour who lives down the hall in their apartment building, to people dropping off a meal to someone who has had surgery or cancer treatments, there is probably some way in which each of us might make a difference to one other person this week.

As we take up this challenge, we emulate the love demonstrated by a God who gifted us with this rich imagery: I am the Good Shepherd.

- Pastor Kathy McCamis