The Fourth Sunday of Easter: Rev. Aimee Baxter

One of my favorite television series ever is the show, This Is Us. It aired for six seasons and followed the journey of an adoptive family through the ups and downs of life.

Pretty early on, we are introduced to the character, William, the biological father for Randall, the adopted son in the series.  William is a bit of a tortured soul whose life choices have prevented him from being many of the things he had hoped. But William is also gentle, kind, a gifted musician, and wise.

He is in the late stages of a cancer diagnosis when we meet him and eventually dies. At his funeral, he is described in this way. “He was a soft armrest for weary souls to lean on.” Isn’t that beautiful?

When I think about the imagery of a shepherd we see in our psalm today, this is what I imagine. A soft armrest for weary souls to lean on. Someone who makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. The one who revives our souls and comforts us in the darkest times.

It is so serene - almost quiet, and peaceful. And it’s true. A shepherd is all of those things.

But I was particularly struck this week by the phrasing that is used in the 1 Peter reading that describes Jesus as “the shepherd and guardian of your souls”.

There’s just something about the term guardian that hits differently. It evokes imagery that is distinctive from the serene and idyllic scene, or perhaps even a chaotic herding of animals depiction, of the shepherd.

My first thought when I hear the word guardian is someone standing guard. The basic meaning of the word is “a defender, protector or keeper”.  In my mind, I immediately think of the Marvel films, Guardians of the Galaxy, or a children’s movie called Rise of the Guardians, where Santa, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and the Easter Bunny all come together to prevent the evil villain, Pitch Black, from engulfing the world in darkness.

In these movies, this group of heroes assemble to protect the people they are responsible for, and once that feat is done, they move on to the next mission.

I’m not quite sure that’s what Peter means when he proclaims Jesus as the guardian of our souls. He describes Jesus as one who has chosen to suffer for our sake, relieve us of our sins, and bring us into a life of righteousness.

This is the work of someone who is invested in us long-term, who cares for our well-being far beyond a one-off chance to protect us.

This image of Jesus as the guardian of our souls matches more with how we understand those who become guardians of children and sometimes adults who are vulnerable and in need of a protector. To take on legal guardianship of a someone, means that you are willing to assume all legal and financial responsibility for that individual, and that the court, and sometimes even the biological parents or relatives, deem you fit to care for that person.

So, a guardian is not someone who was naturally put in that relationship, but has instead chosen to take on that responsibility.

Jesus as our shepherd has chosen us and chosen to be the guardian of our souls. In that choosing, we find belonging that leads us to find comfort and peace, and to lie down in green pastures and sit beside still waters.

What a gift! I believe it is a gift that we are asked to impart to others.

Our Acts reading gives us a little insight into how the early church did just that.

Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

The early church teaches us that we belong to each other; and that we are called to shepherd, protect and care for one another.

I am so grateful to see the many ways we as a body act as guardians for one another.

I see it each time there is a loss in our community and the funeral team, altar guild, and others jump into action to make sure a grieving family feels taken care of and loved.

I see it when we let you all know of a need in the community, and it is met swiftly and generously.

I see it in how you notice when one of us hasn’t been here a couple of Sundays, and you inquire about their well-being. Or the way you greet each other with joy and love.

Most recently, I see it in the commitments and contributions to the Capital Campaign, and how we are raising funds to prepare for the future while we honor the past good work of St. Thomas.

As we continue our journey in the kingdom of God together, may we find both comfort and courage through Jesus as our shepherd and guardian.

May we be fierce protectors of each other, and our community.

And may we also be a soft armrest for weary souls to lean on. Amen.