Independence Day

I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. (St. John 10:14-16)

A week ago today, on the feast of St. Irenaeus, our rector made his declaration of independence, effective October 1. The Gospel at Mass before the vestry meeting was from St. John, the parable of the Good Shepherd. I had received a report the day before that the announcement was coming and upon hearing this parable could not help thinking rather bitterly that our shepherd had revealed himself as only a hireling after all, not really as concerned about us and our future as the one Good Shepherd is, but then I realized that perhaps he does have our best interest at heart in confessing that his health and energy are not what they need to be to do the job. I think we had all imagined we would have more than 3 months to adjust and make preparations for the transition, but perhaps it is better this way. We will move on and hopefully find a good shepherd, one with more zeal and energy to try and make our little sheepfold stronger and healthier. In the meantime we must carry on and find a suitable interim, one that will keep the flock together while we self-study and search.

Good Shepherd, pray for us, Amen.