Second Sunday after Easter: The Good Shepherd

Jesus said, I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep.

From the Gospel. [Jn. 10:11]

Loving Shepherd, kind and true, Wilt Thou not in pity come To Thy Lamb? As shepherds do, Bear me in Thy bosom home; Take me hence from earth's annoy To Thy home of endless joy.

See how I have gone astray In this earthly wilderness; Come and take me soon away To Thy flock who dwell in bliss, And Thy glory, Lord, behold, Safe within Thy heavenly fold.

For I fain would gaze on Thee, With the lambs to whom 'tis given That they feed, from danger free, In the happy fields of heaven; Praising Thee, all terrors o'er, Never can they wander more.

Here I live in sore distress, Fearing, watching, hour by hour; For my foes around me press, And I know their craft and power: Lord, Thy lamb can never be Safe one moment, but with Thee.

O Lord Jesus, let me not 'Mid the ravening wolves e'er fall, Help me as a shepherd ought, That I may escape them all: Bear me homeward in Thy breast, To Thy fold of endless rest.

Guter Hirte willst du nicht