The Lord is my shepherd

17Jul
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
he makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
        -Psalm 23:1-3
Love must be sincere…
Be devoted to one another in love…
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need; practice hospitality.
-Romans 12:1,10,13


I am glad to gain moral/Christian messages and insights from many sources—sometimes including films. I was attracted to an unlikely source, the current mystery comedy “Sheep Detectives,” by a film review title: “The Animal Movie That You Didn’t Know You Needed To See!”


In it, Hugh Jackman plays George, “the good shepherd” who loves his sheep, sees them as individuals, and gives them names. As part of their affectionate relationship, at the end of each day, he typically reads them mystery stories!


When he is murdered, the sheep rise to the occasion to help the hapless village policeman solve the crime. In their characters and actions, we see themes that can apply to us. For instance, until it is touchingly overcome, there is ill-founded prejudice and discrimination by most of the sheep (born as Spring lambs) against Winter lambs (born in Winter and seen as different).  Courage is necessary and developed through faith and love by sheep who’ve never left their pasture and are petrified about stepping on a road to get to the village!


In another aspect, the sheep are able to forget about worrisome and painful events by “counting to 3.”  We don’t have this magical capability, but we may “escape” from thinking about such things (including, e.g., worrisome and destructive global events) through alcohol or drugs or entertainment distractions. The sheep learn that painful thoughts and memories are a component of living with love (in this case, the pain of the loss of their beloved shepherd, George, and the death of a sheep who dies to save others).


There are many aspects of this film meaningful for us—especially the importance of love.  I came away from it with further commitment to the Blessing we often hear at Trinity:

Life is short.  

We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who journey with us.  

So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind.


Musical reflection - Sheep May Safely Graze - J.S. Bach Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Dear God, please help us to live better, more loving lives. Amen.

Wisdom

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