Making Connections

In the world of faith we often talk about believing in God, but did you know that God believes in you? God believes in your ability to make a positive difference in your life and the lives of those around you. God believes you have the capability to transform the world.

The gospel reminds us that each one of us is loved by God, that God is interested in each individual, God knows us by name. Jesus came to demonstrate God’s love and concern for us, and to guide and show us how to live. God has made us God’s partners to establish a wonderful world. God has entrusted us with this task, given us the example of the good shepherd, inspires and blesses us so that we in turn might be good shepherds for others.

Kaya, the quail, is an example of how simple the shepherd lifestyle can be. It is also an example of the rewards the lifestyle garners through the blessings it bestows on the shepherd, and inspiration it provides for others.

The good shepherd lifestyle is one marked by compassion and service, it is lived out by making the best use of the resources we have at our disposal to transform difficult or challenging situations. One writer remarked that in the 23rd Psalm, the shepherd psalm, God, the shepherd, doesn’t change the terrain in which the sheep travel, but rather leads them to green pastures, guides them to still waters, is a companion and comfort through the dark valleys, and provides for them in the face of their enemies. The world of the sheep is what they and the shepherd make of the experiences they face. Our world can be what we make of the experiences that we and those around us face.   (continued ... )