This Sunday is Shepherd Sunday when the scripture readings focus us on the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 has the stunning line “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me.” Even when we are feeling “valleyish” (alone), the shepherd goes with us! There is comfort in that. It doesn’t mean we won’t walk through the valley or that we won’t face any fears. It means that the shepherd accompanies us. That is what we need.
In Acts 9, we will hear on Sunday about a “disciple whose name was Tabitha, which in Greek is Dorcas.” She was deep in the valley of the shadow of death, so others called Peter to heal her. In the early church, women like Tabitha were important for the well-being of others, and Tabitha exemplified that care. Peter hurried to be there for her because Tabitha was important to that community.
In our day, many people are going through difficult valleys. We wish that every story could end like Tabitha’s with happy feelings and healing. But we know that is not our reality. Sometimes the hardships of the valleys are difficult and enduring, and we look for strength along the way. The reason I cherish Psalm 23 and Act 9 is that they can give us the strength we need for this day. They remind me when I feel lonely that the Good Shepherd accompanies us through it all.
People of St. Timothy, I am so grateful for the ways that you are like Tabitha, devoted to works of care and love. God sustain you for today!
Three Holy Days
In our tradition, we make space on Maundy Thursday to remember central parts of our faith story. We hear about the...
