Where a regent reigns well, we may have security and peace and things that let a country prosper .
These words are drawn from a soprano aria sung in Bach's secular cantata Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd!
otherwise, known as the Hunting Cantata.
The first six years of my life were spent on a farm where sheep grazed without fear. It helped that the family hard working dog kept a watchful eye over our animals. Our Scottish Collie, Rover was alert to any danger that might arise, particularly hungry foxes determined to prove their cunning.
Biblical language uses the symbolism of The Good Shepherd teaching us that when we choose to accept the call of The Divine Mystery to let Him shepherd us through our life's journey, we are provided with protection including wise counselling on what we should be doing, and not doing.
God has, in fact, thought of us from eternity and has loved us as unique individuals.
He has called every one of us by name, as the Good Shepherd calls His sheep by name.
— Pope John Paul II
I learned through observation that my family's herd of sheep recognised the reassuring presence of our dog, Rover trusting him to guide them back to their barns after a day grazing in the fields. I also note that our cattle responded likewise when being rounded up for the evening journey back to their barns. I readily understood that sheep are much more intelligent than given credit for.
Our Father invites us to hear, and listen to His words whispered into our thoughts leading us through our daily life.
Those words will also ask us to remain patient, and resilient when our life's challenges appear overwhelming,
well understanding that The Father's plan for our life guarantees our safety from all harm when we do all that He asks of us.
Our intuition may well be that awareness that we are being counselled out of danger; escorted into safe pasture.
Trust the Lord.
He is the good shepherd.
He knows His sheep.
And His sheep know His voice.
— M. Russell Ballard
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