With your rod, pasture your people, the flock of your inheritance, living alone in the narrow forest, in the midst of Carmel. They will graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the ancient days. (Mi 7,14)
רְעֵ֧ה עַמְּךָ֣ בְשִׁבְטֶ֗ךָ צֹ֚אן נַֽחֲלָתֶ֔ךָ שֹׁכְנִ֣י לְבָדָ֔ד יַ֖עַר בְּתֹ֣וךְ כַּרְמֶ֑ל יִרְע֥וּ בָשָׁ֛ן וְגִלְעָ֖ד כִּימֵ֥י עוֹלָֽם׃
Pasce populum tuum in virga tua, gregem hereditatis tuæ habitantes solos in saltu, in medio Carmeli: pascentur Basan et Galaad iuxta dies antiquos.
The many meanings of the word “staff” include: the staff symbolizes the Sun, the axis of the universe, authority, dignity, power, fame, order, the will of the teacher, upbringing, beating, punishment, shepherds, sheepfold, bishop, resurrection, faith, oracle, support, old age, blindness, miracle, care, consolation, help, liberation, peace, purity.
It is therefore a strong symbol and, at the same time, a specific prop in the hands of the one entrusted with power.
The prophet Micah, on behalf of the people, asks God for help to guide His nation, educate, care for, punish as a warning, support and lead. The author of Psalm 23 expresses it well in prayer: “Your rod and Your staff, they have given me consolation.”
Through his resurrection, Christ fully demonstrated His pastoral power and led fallen humanity from the disease of death to life. Happy are those who allow themselves to be led by Him.
