In this week's gospel readings, we still hear more of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, one of my favorite images. And as the grass is greening up and the trees and leaves are leafing out, I can't help but think of those verdant pastures in Psalm 23, which is my favorite psalm. This past weekend I programmed the hymn The King of Love My Shepherd Is, which encompasses Psalm 23. The hymn has an Irish, Celtic, pastoral feeling in its composition, at least in how I interpret it.  The voice of our Shepherd is guiding us but does anyone listen? I know I don't always listen. Instead, I'll do it on my own. And you know how that comes out.

There is a verse in the hymn that says,
"Perverse and foolish, I have strayed.  

He does care for us by seeking out the lost sheep and carrying it home on his shoulders.

The first edition of the hymn appeared in 1861, composed by Sir Henry Baker. It is said that the last audible words of Sir Henry as he lay dying were the words of the third stanza quoted above. Mack Wilberg, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir director, has arranged this peaceful hymn. The composer himself directs the clip I have for you for Our Wednesday Worship. Thank you, Dudley Birder, for introducing me to an outstanding American composer!