Wednesday 17 August 2022

Today is Wednesday the 17th August, in the 20th week of Ordinary Time.

Amanda Lindsay Cook sings, ‘Shepherd’. Can you make these words your own today?


In the process, in the waiting
You're making melodies over me
And Your presence is a promise
For I am a pilgrim on a journey
And You will lift my head above the mighty waves
You are able to keep me from stumbling
And in my weakness
You are the strength that comes from within
Good Shepherd of my soul
Take my hand and lead me on
You make my footsteps and my path secure
So walking water is just the beginning
'Cause my faith to arise, stand at attention
For You are calling me to the greater things
And You will lift my head above the mighty waves
You are able to keep me from stumbling
And in my weakness
You are the strength that comes from within
Good Shepherd of my soul
Take my hand and lead me on
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
You have not forsaken me
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
With You is where I want to be
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
You have not forsaken me
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
With You is where I want to be
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
You have not forsaken me, yes
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
With You is where I want to be
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
You never leave me, you never leave me, you never leave me, no
You never leave me, no
Right here, right now you are here with us, you never leave, you never leave no
Oh, how I love You, how I love You
In every season of the soul teach my heart to say
Come to you
For the lift my head above the mighty waves
You are able to keep me from stumbling
And in my weakness
You are the strength that comes from within
Good Shepherd of my soul
Take my hand and lead me on

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 34:1-11

The word of the LORD came to me: Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to them—to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the sheep. You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and scattered, they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep were scattered, they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill; my sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with no one to search or seek for them.

Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild animals, since there was no shepherd; and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep; therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD, I am against the shepherds; and I will demand my sheep at their hand, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep; no longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, so that they may not be food for them.

For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.

Sobering words today for shepherds who ignore the needs of their sheep and lavish care on themselves instead. It’s a picture of dereliction of duty.


Take a moment to ponder over the qualities of a good shepherd. What does a healthy level of self-care look like in those qualities?


There are plenty of instances of lambs and sheep needing protection in our countryside today. Call to mind those pictures.


Who are the vulnerable around you as these lambs and sheep? Perhaps you feel vulnerable yourself right now. Imagine a good shepherd tending to those needs.


As you hear the passage again, notice what you are drawn to, and repelled by.

Remember Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd, is the very antithesis of the shepherds described here. He strengthened the weak, healed the sick, was gentle and humble of heart rather than self-seeking, forceful and harsh as these shepherds.

Speak with God about what has stirred in you today.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.