Proper Care

The spotlight has been on the quality of care and compassion shown to elderly patients in hospitals and care homes. Reports and experience tell us that, in some places, the care is wonderful, while in many other places, the care leaves much to be desired.

When things are not working well, family and friends are left wondering how this could have happened. People often feel angry and frustrated that loved ones are being badly treated, and there seems nothing that can be done to change the situation.

Jesus told many stories, and none of them was about hospitals and care homes. But he did address the issue of Proper Care. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.' (John 10.11-13)

However we may want to interpret and apply the story, Jesus identifies that when people are just doing a paid job, they often don't have a sense of Proper Care. So, when there is too much to do, they run away from their responsibilities. They are just hired hands. 

But the Good Shepherd is different. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.' (John 10.14-15)

Today, all of us need to know the Proper Care of the Good Shepherd. I find it helpful to recall that Jesus laid down his life for me, and while there may be things in my life which are not what I would like or want, I am deeply reassured of his sacrificial love and care for me. I am blessed to know his Proper Care today. That makes all the difference.

Best wishes,

Richard