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Nov 11, 2017 4299 Elizabeth Reardon
Encounter

The Shepherds’ Journey

Throughout the accounts of the nativity story we encounter God working the extraordinary amidst the ordinary. During a recent advent, I found myself accompanying the shepherds in their journey—beside the sheep in solitude and silence.

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Then suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2: 8-14).

The life of a shepherd was simplistic, the daily tasks at hand were few and one day could easily flow into the next. Yet, a lack of attentiveness could put the whole flock at risk and without a shepherd the sheep easily lost their way. The needs of the flock were to always supersede one’s own, and this included the need for community to which we have become so accustomed. Due to a very transient lifestyle, company was but only occasionally found with fellow shepherds along with the animals they watched and for which they cared. Moreover, as they could not consistently observe the ceremonial rituals of purity prescribed by Jewish law, shepherds were considered among the lowliest of professions. Gone were the early days of Israel, as with King David, where their responsibility was respected; instead, they were included among the marginalized in Jewish society.

While certainly not a life easily undertaken by those who craved conversation or comforts, it did offer its own unique recompense. Under a blanket of stars and away from the hubbub of the city life they had time for quiet moments and reflection. I have often wondered if they, while aware their social standing, also recognized the value and purpose in their life’s work.

Even if they had, they most definitely did not expect to have been called out to receive the most magnificent angelic proclamation of the birth of the Messiah. With not one but a host of angels, breaking through the stillness and the darkness, hope was born that night. As Luke truly stressed, God moved from Heaven to earth—to the peripheries to reach all of humanity. Undoubtedly aghast at their divine invitation and despite any misgivings they may have had, their unexpected response was to make way for Bethlehem. Oh, the trepidation the shepherds had to have initially felt from the sudden marching orders and the impending arrival to a city, given their unkempt appearance!

Surprisingly, instead of a stately palace or grand estate customary to a King or “Lord,” they were welcomed by the small stable surroundings. Who is this king, that He would choose this as a birthplace, as a seat of governing, a site of lowly stature? Could it be that He has come for us also … and what does this mean for our lives? The peace the angels spoke of had to have meant more to the shepherds than an absence of physical conflict, yet resonated an inner peace of finally resting in God’s grace.

Consider: Do I believe that Jesus was born for me? What does this mean in my life, particularly for those times I feel alone, persecuted or marginalized?

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Elizabeth Reardon

Elizabeth Reardon is the Director of Parish Ministries for Saint Paul's and Resurrection Parishes in Hingham, Massachusetts. She has Master of Arts in Religious Education. Reardon hosts the radio show, An Engaging Faith, and is also the presenter of Faces of Mercy. She is a writer at Theologyisaverb.com.

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