Wandering Shepherd

Sometime in the 2nd century BC a fearful king lashed out at those who were different. Fearing a threat as well as desiring a distraction, he attempted to ban followers of Judaism from public life and erase the reality of their lives and identity. This week, many of us commemorate the time when those so shunned organized a Rebel Alliance and were eventually able to restore their temple and their lives, though not after many battles. During one of those battles, it looked as though darkness would prevail - literally; the lamp oil was set to run out. But it did not. That occasion of unexpected light is now commemorated worldwide with 9 candles. This year, that commemoration is both a celebration and a moment to grieve. For even after 2000 plus years, the fear of those who are different still drives people to take up weapons and murder. The Jewish people are, of course, not the only ones to be shunned, socially disowned, or outright murdered out of fear of their difference. Today it might be Muslims, tomorrow (and today too), it will be LBGTQ+ people. It might be people who screwed up royally (The Scarlet Letter) or it might be the smart and wise - who are feared and loathed by those less so. As readers of Rene Girard will know, there's no shortage of groups to scapegoat, to displace (or deport) from their homes, to send wandering. “Wandering Shepherd,” a song written and released by Dan Fogelberg in 1985, is therefore for everyone - a welcome to anyone feeling banished, isolated, and lonely. It is also a reminder that, as Jedi Master Bob Marley said, while you're judging me someone else is judging you. And any church that is so fueled by judgment that it can’t say “come in where it's warm. You are unique and valuable and welcomed,” well, maybe they should not only read Rene Girard or listen to Bob Marley, but read some more stories. In less than two weeks, we'll celebrate another 2000 year old story, one where wandering shepherds reportedly saw a divinely bright star that led them to another miracle - this one in the form of a child, born to migrant parents in a dangerous land, with yet another fearful and murderous king about to rampage. May those kings lay down their worries as well. Peace and light!