“Shepherd and Sheep”, London

Walking around St. Paul’s Cathedral, in East London, I went into Paternoster Square. However, one monument surprised me, and that was the “Shepherd and the Sheep”.  A small plaque in front of the statue describes how this was made by Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993), originally commissioned By Paternoster Development Ltd. It was first unveiled by Yehudi Menuhin in 1975 and reinstated by Mitsubishi Estate in 2003.  It is believed that it commemorates Paternoster Square’s past, as the site of a livestock market.

However, what does this monument symbolise… For me, it reminded me of the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), where we read: Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He spoke this parable to them, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance”.

A beautiful and meaningful parable, located in a very modern part of the British capital, next to one of the most famous churches in the world, this reminds us all of the teachings of Christianity that we all should have, especially today, where new morals and new ventures are a reality.