Well hello friends,
This is Mark Ludman,
Also known as Brother Frederick James,
Your friendly neighbourhood monk in docks.
Welcome to another day in our journey through Lent,
And today we continue to reflect on the words of Jesus,
I am the Good Shepherd.
As always,
I invite you to let the noise of the day fade as we breathe in and out.
Let go of any tension in your body.
Just be a moment of stillness.
Let this be a moment to simply be and to rest in the presence of God.
Jesus' words were,
I am the Good Shepherd,
And the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Just sit with those words for a moment and let them sink in.
The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
This is a pretty significant love that the Good Shepherd has for the sheep.
This is a love that sacrifices.
We're told that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
This is love that stays.
This shepherd's not going anywhere.
He lays down his life.
And it's love that doesn't abandon.
There's no quick way out for this shepherd.
This shepherd will always be there.
This is the love of the Good Shepherd.
It's sacrificial.
It stays put.
It doesn't abandon.
Jesus isn't like the hired hand who runs away at the first sign of danger.
Jesus is the shepherd who stays.
The shepherd who protects.
The shepherd who gives everything,
Even his own life,
For you.
Imagine for a moment that you're one of his sheep walking with him in a quiet pasture.
The ground beneath you is soft.
The air is cool.
You are not alone.
The shepherd walks ahead always watching,
Always leading.
The shepherd knows the way.
He knows where the passages are.
And the shepherd stands between you and harm.
Even in the darkest valley,
The shepherd does not leave your side.
Where in your life have you experienced this kind of love?
A love that endures.
A love that doesn't turn away.
Perhaps in the kindness of a friend.
Or in a moment when you felt peace,
Even when life was uncertain.
Or in a time when God's presence carried you through a struggle.
Where is Jesus inviting you to trust in his unfailing presence?
Just sit with that question for a moment in the silence.
Maybe there are places in your heart that still hold fear.
Maybe there are wounds that make it hard to trust.
Maybe there are moments where you wonder if you are truly seen and truly known.
But hear this,
My friend.
You're never forgotten.
You're never alone.
The good shepherd lays down his life for you.
Not because he has to.
But because his love for you is that deep,
That complete,
That unwavering.
Again,
In a short space of silence,
Let yourself rest in that love.
Picture yourself in the arms of the good shepherd.
Safe and secure.
You are held.
You are known.
You are loved.
Hold on to that as we pray together.
Jesus,
You are the shepherd who never leaves.
Help me to trust in your love,
Even in the hardest moments.
Teach me to love as you love.
Sacrificially,
Deeply,
And completely.
Amen.
Breathe in and out.
And may the security and safety of the good shepherd be with you and be held by you today and every day.
Amen.
Peace be with you,
My friends.
Until tomorrow.
Bye for now.
