This morning was so gentle and calm that even the gravel road seemed soft underfoot. It was 63 degrees when I woke up, and I decided right away that a wool sweater would be just right for Good Shepherd Sunday. Sister Mary Claire said it suited the day beautifully, and she helped me button it while Mini watched from her little spot by the stove. Then I tied Mini’s tiny wool collar around her neck — she looked like a lamb herself, which made Sister laugh softly and say, “The two little lambs, off to meet the Good Shepherd.” That made my heart feel warm and safe.
I guess I am trying to be a little lamb for Jesus — not just today, but always. I want to follow Him wherever He goes and know His voice the way sheep know their shepherd’s call, even if He calls in the dark or in the wind.
Robert’s truck rumbled up to the mailbox right on time, with the windows already rolled down to let the spring air in. Sister Mary Claire slid in beside him and I climbed up after her, Mini nestled quietly between us, her ears flicking with every sound. As we rolled toward St. Mary’s, Sister opened her little Meditation Book and read aloud over the hum of the engine. She read:
“The Divine Shepherd calls His sheep by name. He walks before them. He gives His life for them.”
Robert nodded along and said he’d been thinking about that part — how a shepherd isn’t just someone who feeds and protects the sheep, but someone who knows them. “It’s like a good farmer and his animals,” he said. “You learn their ways.”
At Mass, Father LeRoy gave a beautiful homily. He said Jesus wasn’t just any shepherd, but the Good Shepherd, and the only one who lays down His life willingly, not just when danger comes, but always — every day — in the Sacraments, in His words, and in the way He leads us gently but firmly. Father said, “We are His flock, and each one of us is known, named, and sought after if we wander.” That part made me tear up a little because sometimes I do wander, even if just in thoughts or laziness.
On the way home, Mini curled up on my lap, and I held her close. Sister said the wool of her little collar looked like the fleece of a lamb freshly sheared. I told her I hoped Jesus could look down from Heaven and smile at both of us — His two wooly little lambs trying our best.
We had leftover roast for dinner, and I took a little walk to the edge of the field afterward. The sun was golden and slow, and the wind smelled like warm grass. I prayed quietly while I walked, thinking of Jesus walking ahead of me like a shepherd through the hills.
Dear Jesus, my Good Shepherd, thank You for calling me by name. Help me follow You always, even when the path is hard or I feel lost. Keep Mini and Sister close to Your heart too, and gather all of us into Your flock. I want to be a gentle little lamb who listens to Your voice and never strays. Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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