“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me” (Jn 10:14)
The good shepherd—what a reassuring image this is, even though we see shepherds and flocks less and less in the wild. Yet the image speaks to us from within. Deep down, we know what the good shepherd means. He is someone who watches over us, who cares for our lives, who never loses sight of us, who warns us of dangers, and who leads us to where we belong and find good pasture.
With conviction and courage, Joan sets out on the arduous eleven‑day journey to Chinon. She knows she is on a mission from God, and therefore fears no obstacles. She continually encourages her companions as well. Two of them later testify about this journey during the interrogation that took place as part of the rehabilitation trial for the saint.
The knight Bertrand de Poulengy:
It was an exciting ride, but Joan urged us not to be afraid, for the noble Dauphin would receive us kindly once we reached Chinon! And I assure you, I was completely inspired by her words, for she truly seemed to me to be sent by God; I have never been able to see the slightest evil in her. She was as good as a saint… So we arrived together without hindrance at Chinon, where the king was staying—who was then still the Dauphin (heir to the throne); it was there that we presented the maiden to the nobles and followers of the king.
The knight Jean de Metz:
