(A Shepherding Psalm: caring for the sheep.)

Unto green pastures and meadows he leads—
Safely through danger, beneath shady trees.
Shoring up brooks so the waters run smooth,
That his sheep safely drink from a calm, gentle pool.

They do not worry, but rest in his care—
Knowing the Good Shepherd is always there.
He keeps the enemy at distant bay.
And keeps his sheep out of harm's way.

Although in error, one might stray,
He tenderly rescues it right away.
All those in his care, he safely keeps.
He is the Good Shepherd that cares for his sheep.

The Lord God is worthy to be praised
Strong and mighty for all of my days
Lifted high above the earth
He died so we could see what we're worth
Jesus friend of sinners the lost and the shamed
Jesus healer of our ills breaker of our chains
Saved us by his mighty hand
But we are sinking rapidly in shifting sand
Full of compassion and rich is his love
His kindness endures and mercy rains from above
When we are lost and confused he carries us back
In the pasture of the Lord there is nothing that we lack
Green are the fields upon which we rest
The pure spring water is simply the best
The sun rises and bathes us with light
We are precious in his sight
He guides us through the valleys by his staff and rod
In the darkness we will not fear for the shepherd is our God

The earth will fall and the mountains will crumble
The day will come when the sun shines no more
In time all will fail and all will fade
It was always meant to be this way
But the word of the Lord endures forever
The law of the Lord is perfect and true
Bound to Christ we find our chains gone

Songs to the Lord unceasing like perfume to the heavens reaching
The Lord hears the cry of the poor and downtrodden
He comes to their aid
He lifts up the lowly and oppressed
Gives sight to the blind and by his word the dead are raised
Healed from affliction in body and spirit
The devil hears the name of Jesus and runs for fear of it

Shepherd your people Oh God
Lead them and keep them on the right way
Guard them from danger
Bring them back when they stray
We are the flock of your land
We are the work of your hand
We are the wheat in the fields
We are the harvest with great yield
We are the weary the tired and worn
We have caused you much pain and scorn

Come to me with open hands and empty hearts
Come to me and be filled in every part
Come to me humble and broken
Listen closely and receive the words I have spoken
Come to me with awe and wonder
Come to me but do not expect lightning and thunder
Come to me in the stillness and the silence
Come to me and find peace amidst the violence
Come to me with reverence and respect
Come to me and know that I made you perfect
Perfect the way you are and for what you need to do
It was for a greater purpose that I have chosen you

You may not understand but all will be made clear in good time
But that is all for today because we are almost out of time

It’s interesting:
you can spot a fallen-away Catholic
by the language they use-
once learned, it can’t be taken away.
Catholicism leaves an indelible mark
on the tongue,
a pattern in the script.
People jaded,
wounded,
even rejected by wayward sheep
and wolves in their skin
bear the same brilliance
the same cry for understanding.
The Shepherd didn’t meet their expectations,
or maybe they’ve abandoned all belief in His existence.
No matter the qualm,
they all bleat the same.
There’s no removing the brand of baptism,
the vocabulary of vocations.
Even if a wall has been built
between them and the Church,
they still write the creed of their Fathers on its bricks.

This is not a reprimand,
nor a criticism;
it is a hand outstretched
to all who broke away.
It is a voiced desire
to teach
and learn
by their side.
This life does not hold all the answers,
but we can pursue Knowledge Himself
and reach the peak together.

Im a sheep!
Im a sheep, and my,
shepherd loves me, i mean
he fought the wolf for me,
he washes my wool, and takes
care of me.
-Elijah Rose ©

I have seen the path
Where the blind men lead the blind
They gladly follow