Vatican City (Fides Service) - On Wednesday 20 November, Pope John paul II reflected in the Canticle in Isaiah 40 on the Good Shepherd. Here is what the Holy Father said: "Today's Canticle from the Book of Isaiah (cf. Is 40:10-17) consoles the people with the promise of their return to Jerusalem, and exalts the wonders of an all-powerful and all-knowing God. It describes the Lord as a shepherd who not only leads his sheep but goes with them on their way tenderly feeding and caring for them. Compared to the "God of Israel", the nations and far-flung islands are no more than "a drop in the bucket" or "dust on the scales" (Is 40:15). And yet, as the Church Fathers remind us, God who holds all of creation in his hand is the same Lord who was born in a humble manger. Before him we bow down in prayerful adoration. I extend a special welcome to the pilgrims from Sioux City in the United States accompanied by their Bishop and former Bishop, and to the Choir and Parishioners of Saint Francis Borgia Parish in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Upon all the English-speaking pilgrims present at today's audience, I invoke the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ." See longer text in Italian and other languages www.fides.org. SL (Fides Service 21/11/2002)