sage is one of endearment, comfort and assurance of God's tender love. Meditating
on it brings new insight as well as warm remembrance.
and ever looking out for wrongdoing. Like a child nestled in his mother's arms, he
draws close, calling God in loving confidence "my shepherd." He speaks of God not
as a king, a deliverer, a sword, a shield or a high tower but a gentle shepherd. The
image is one of the shepherd with a little lamb tucked safely and securely beneath
his arm. Sheep by nature are willful and prone to wander. Despite their nature, the
shepherd leads them home, still wanting them. With no natural defenses of their
own, sheep are vulnerable to attack unless shielded by the shepherd. And so the
shepherd fights off their enemies and gathers them under his care.
country, they still need water. Drops of water obtained from the dew on the grass
are not enough. Water can be obtained from wells, but wells are deep and danger-
ous. Springs, are deep as well, and survive through drought. Sheep like still water,
not the rushing of rivers or creeks. So it is the quiet waters of springs where the
shepherd brings them to drink. Our Lord knows our need and invites us to drink
from the spring of eternal life that only He can furnish (see John 4:14).
feel the weight of heavy wool. Restoration from the shepherd includes having the
sage is
on it b
and ev