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The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23).

Today we are back in John’s Gospel. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Jesus is the Word of God made flesh that we might know that Jesus is our redeemer, God’s son. John uses the metaphor of the good shepherd that we might understand the relationship between us and our Lord. God came to us that we might have abundant life in him. We are called into relationship with Jesus Christ through the breaking of Bread and the scriptures. Jesus, the good shepherd will walk with us through these troubled times and into the higher plane of the Beloved Community if we will stop to hear his voice.

This week, we will say Psalm 23. We profess our loyalty to God. God provides life and security. God is all we need! We shall lack nothing if we follow our shepherd. This is a way of being. Put your trust in God. Palestine is a desert and the sheep need to be led to green grass to eat and water to drink. This means that we will have sustenance (food and drink) from God. It means to be safe from harm. God keeps me alive. We depend solely on God. God draws us to the path of righteousness and justice. While some will be selfish and gather more than they need for themselves at a cost of others, Jesus teaches us to be self-giving. We need to eat healthy, exercise, rest, and give to others to maintain our good health. This puts God in charge of protecting us from death. God leads us home from exile. Jesus shows us the way from brokenness into wholeness and from death into life. We walk through the desert to higher ground. Jesus came out the other side of death to lead us to Beloved community. We don’t end up in the desert. God’s Kingdom is right here and we need to witness to others the love in our hearts that overflows to others. That is how they will see the marks in Jesus’ hands and feet.

I urge every member to develop a deep relationship through worship, prayer, and service to the Living God. Join us daily as we walk together with our Lord at 9AM through Morning Prayer. Follow the path of righteousness that Jesus has laid before us and have your soul restored. Please know that there are green pastures and still waters ahead. Our Thrift Shop is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 12-3. We need volunteers to sort and sell our cloths and collectibles. Mary Beth and our Thrift Shop team really need your assistance! You can offer one day or come every week. Please keep May 3^rd on your calendar. The ECW will be offering, “A Taste of St. John’s.” It is always one of our most popular events of the year. On Sunday May 5^th we will have a fabulous Jazz concert at St. John’s featuring, “The Jazz Loft All Stars.” Please buy your tickets early and get a nice discount.

In Christ’s love,
Fr. Duncan