Our good Shepherd tends to a flock with many different experiences. Some are strong in the Lord, while others are weak in faith. Yet, he cares impartially for all his sheep. The weakest lamb is as dear to him as the strongest. Lambs often lag behind, wander, and grow weary, but the Shepherd protects them with his strength. He finds new believers like young lambs, ready to perish, and nourishes them until they're strong. He consoles and renews the strength of weak minds ready to faint.

He gathers all the little ones, for it's not our heavenly Father's will that any should perish. What a sharp eye he has to see them all! What a tender heart to care for them! What a powerful arm to gather them! On earth, he gathered the weak, and now in heaven, his loving heart yearns for the meek, the timid, and the fearful.

How tenderly he gathered me to himself, to his truth, to his sacrifice, to his love, to his church! With grace, he drew me to himself. Since my conversion, he has often brought me back from my wanderings, holding me in his everlasting arm. The best part is, he does it himself. He doesn't assign this task but personally rescues and preserves his most unworthy servant.

How can I ever love him enough or serve him worthily? I want to spread his name to the ends of the earth, but what can my weakness do for him? Great Shepherd, grant me one more mercy: a heart to love you more truly.