I have got out of the habit of re-interpreting or commenting on the weekly Collect prayers, but looking at this week’s on the very familiar topic of The Good Shepherd, I thought I’d have a go.
My first impulse is to say no Shepherds, no Sheep. But remembering that this is a classic, traditional, Biblical metaphor, let’s go with it.
I would love for there to be no hierarchies, for clergy and laity to be equal, for businesses and communities and countries to be run by concensus, or at the very least, with the true consent of the governed.
But reality is this: hierarchies continue to exist; we can’t seem to escape them. So:
“Where we are ‘Shepherds’, may we be good, kind, gentle, and fair.
Where we are ‘Sheep’, may we be clever and savvy. Sheep who help each other, stand up for our fellows, and stand up against the wicked Shepherds who are Wolves in disguise.
May we learn to recognise the voices of the good and bad Shepherds and differentiate between the two, so we can root out the wicked ones before they’re allowed to do any damage.
May we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the Sheep over the reputations of the Shepherds and of the Institutions they represent.
May we never again be a body of confused and cowardly Sheep, willing to silently sacrifice our Lambs for the sake of peace within the Wolves’ domain.
May our Churches cease to be safe places for Wolves. May we cease to be easy targets for abusers and oppressors, bullies and tyrants. May we stop promoting and elevating them, and may we remember the example of the Good Shepherd, the servant leader, the Lamb willing to die to protect the other Sheep, at the heart of the Gospel stories”
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It’s not poetry. But you’re welcome to use it or adapt it for use in private or corporate settings. If you do, please credit Kowethas Kernow.
Thank you.
Painting from a selection of artists showcased at https://globalworship.tumblr.com/post/150359728225/the-good-shepherd-seeks-and-finds-the-lost-with
(c) Sharon Tootill, Kowethas Kernow, 2024
Kowethas Kernow - Celtic Community of Cornwall 