For centuries the second Sunday after Easter was known as the Good Shepherd Sunday, because the Gospel reading was normally based on the Gospel of John chapter 10, where Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd.” The Sunday was also known as Misericordia Domini from the opening words of the traditional liturgy, based on Psalm 33 (Psalm 32 in the Latin Vulgate Bible). Over time the Good Shepherd theme predominated and Psalms 23 or 100 together with readings from 1 Peter about the shepherd of our souls became associated with the Sunday. It also became customary to remember the vocation of those exercising leadership within the Church, those who shepherd the flock under the Good Shepherd.
As part of a wider reform of liturgy during the later half of the 20th century the Roman Catholic Church then shifted the readings and theme of the Good Shepherd to the fourth Sunday of Easter (the third Sunday after Easter according to the old description). That allowed it to keep the Sundays immediately after Easter more focused on the Resurrection of Jesus. This has since flowed into the Revised Common Lectionary, so that most churches remember Jesus as the Good Shepherd on the fourth Sunday of Easter.
The image of the Good Shepherd still speaks to us. Psalm 23, in particular, is a psalm of trust that reminds us of God’s care and guidance. It is often a favourite in rest homes and at funerals. It has been the comfort of those in difficulty; those far away from home and those watching over their loved ones. It has been remembered by those suffering through war, whether they be combatants, civilians or refugees. It has been a source of strength through the ages.
Psalm 23 has been set to music countless times. We could probably fill an hour listening to different musical versions of the Psalm. A choral setting composed by Howard Goodall famously was part of the opening credits for the television series “The Vicar of Dibley”. The words are closely associated with the Church. Following the lectionary, this Sunday we will also reflect on the Good Shepherd.