God's revelation requires time and space to unfold its depth and meaning. To the Jewish exiles in Babylon, God gives a comforting message: the people are forgiven and re-established in the Promised Land. They should no longer be overwhelmed by the power and prestige of the invincible Babylonian empire, for "All flesh (mortals) is like grass." God's promises will be fulfilled: "the Word of God stands forever" (v.8)

Rough tracks will be levelled smooth for the return home, as the Lord himself will walk ahead of them, feeding the flock and gathering the lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast, and leading to their rest the mother ewes. This message reaches across time and space. It's a "now" and a "not yet". When the Exiles returned they did not find the lasting peace they had been promised. It would be fulfilled in the centuries ahead, when John the Baptist announces the Messiah, and "all mankind would see God" (Lk. 3:4)

Jesus' special concern for the 'sinner', the 'outcast' introduces the missionary dimension of outreach.. "to seek out and save the lost" (Lk. 19:10); "to call outcasts not the respectable people" (Mt. 9:13).

This should be the ultimate ministry of the Church today, instead of just working with those who are already well inside the Church.