Liturgy

We have been in the wilderness before, but each time is different
We have faced trial and suffering before, but never quite like this

We have asked the age old questions
“why?” and “what for?” and now we ask again.
Good Shepherd, lead us and guide us through the mystery.

Lord wilderness tests us just as much as it is ministers to us.
In one moment we are overcome by the scorching scent of suffering,
Then in the next, we are drenched in the breaking waves of mercy.

Great Physician, heal your people.

You have heard our cries, “Let us return to the normal, the comfortable,
the safe and familiar.” We admit that we rather trust the evil that we
know, rather than the good that we don’t.

You have shown us that no one comes back
from the wilderness quite the same as before.
Christ who walked in the wilderness,
Teach us to trust.
Teach us to listen.
Teach us to learn.

We pray all this in the name
of our triune God,
Sustainer,
Protector,
and Guide,
amen.

(Naomi Jackson)

Scripture

We invite you to hear from the gospel of John 10:1-6:

1 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

The Good News of the Lord. Thanks be to God!

The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – Good Shepherding 4.30.2023

Is the person of Jesus shaping your ability to see and be seen?

Is the person of Jesus shaping your ability to move toward and guide others to abundance?

Benediction

The Lord is our sustainer, we have all that we need.
They lead us into the forest, alongside streams of peace
and into the hills of righteousness.

Though we walk down the long abandoned road,
we are not afraid. God has given us all that we need.

When we are in the presence of God,
what once felt scarce is more than enough;
it is abundant beyond measure.

We are assured that this goodness and mercy is who you are,
and that it will remain with us for all the days to come.

So go forth this week in the name
of God the Sustainer,
Christ the Good Shepherd,
and the Holy Spirit our Guide.
Amen.
(Naomi Jackson)

[ Photo by Mark Bishop ]