Sheep are Scattered

And Jesus said to them, ‘You will all become deserters; for it is written, “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.’ Peter said to him, ‘Even though all become deserters, I will not.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ But he said vehemently, ‘Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.’ And all of them said the same. They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.’ Mark 14:27-42

When we are left to our own devices, we scatter like sheep when trouble comes. Well, trouble has come to our nation again. A troubled young person shot into the chapel of a Catholic school. Children and adults scattered, climbing under pews, running to the Pre-K room and barricading the doors with chairs and tables. Some rushed to help their wounded. We have betrayed our children, the ones we are

supposed to care for and protect at all cost. We love guns and individual independence more than we love the children. This includes the trans shooter, a child, hurt beyond measure by the judgement of our culture. Winning and dominance have usurped all responsibility for our neighbor and our precious children. Right before his arrest, Jesus prayed and found his disciples sleeping, heavy with food and drink. We are sleeping too, forgetting our real responsibilities to care for the poor, the weak, the outcast, the stranger and the children.

Creator, you are the source of all compassion

even when we overindulge and fall sleep 

you love us as a perfect parent love the offspring

and you weep with us as we cannot protect our own.

We spent too much time on selfish needs and wants

as the sheep scatter, hungry, lost and terrified

we turn away from the deepest anguish and hurt

believing it is someone else's flock and problem.

Lord Jesus, wake us up to the reality of our times

we are called to care for the vulnerable and needy

imprint your love so deep into our hearts again

that we run with courage again to rescue the little ones. Amen.