GOOD SHEPHERD

This Sunday is Good Shepherd Sunday.  To be honest I've never been attracted to images of sheep and shepherds for God.  As a Catholic Christian I have felt really BAD about that.  
 
Maybe it's because I grew up in the city?  Or maybe it's because I love animals so much and struggle with the treatment of them in the bible (all those early blood sacrifices)?
 
It's hard for me to reconcile a caring trusted shepherd with one who allows the sheep to end up sheared or worse. 

I know Jesus was working with the environment in his times, and there were sheep! 

But what about today?  What image might Jesus have used today in place of the Good Shepherd?

I like to imagine he would have used the image of Medical Officers of Health during Covid.  
 
I'm thinking of Toronto's Dr. Eileen de Villa, or B.C.'s Dr. Bonnie Henry?  Or Peel's Dr. Lawrence Loh?  Or even the "red-flag-raising" patient advocate doc from Michael Garron Hospital, Dr. Michael Warner. 
 
All strong doctors and advocates for all the people within their care. 

But then it strikes me that doctors may "shear" us or worse too. 
 
So what image to use today?  Hum?

Maybe the earth itself could be used as an image of the good shepherd?

The earth cares for us.  Provides for us.  Protects us. 

But the earth also unleashes floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires that kill us. 

Maybe there is no getting around the complex nature of "shepherd" this side of heaven?

Today I think God would have gone with the Good Shepherd doctor.
 
 
 
For those with no one to pray for them... we pray.
Lord hear our prayer.  
 
Amen!

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