My Sheep

At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." John 10:22-30

I have always been fascinated by sheep, shepherds and their herding dogs. The life of raising and minding sheep is hard and exhausting. Sheep have a mind of their own and often are not terribly bright. They must be kept safe, watered, well fed and watched over. They are vulnerable. Like a mother or father, a shepherd must see the big picture, be every vigilant, and stay awake. 

Jesus likens himself to a shepherd. He knows those in his care and they respond to him. He feels the responsibility of his charges, and the connection and care he describes is like loving parent, teacher and friend. The religious leaders want him to declare himself the Messiah, and he does by offering himself as servant and caregiver. We are invited by God to be part of the flock while being good shepherds of those in our care.

Today I ask God to give me the strength to be a loving mother, bishop, shepherd and friend. May we all be ready to be servant and caregivers for the world, so God's love may be known by all.

Collect

O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.