My Sheep

Again the Jews were divided because of these words. Many of them were saying, ‘He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?’ Others were saying, ‘These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’ 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 10:19-30

Loving God of all seasons and times

you sustains us through all life's changes

we are often like lost wandering sheep

yet you never forget or abandon us.

Many have doubted the power of your love

many have turned to their own devices

we know we have no where else to turn

and seek our shepherd day in and day out.

In our baptism we are yours forever

bound in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

even when we disregard this holy relationship

you will never, ever let us stray afar.

Lord, let us rejoice in being your sheep

give us strength to follow you every day 

let us be so bound up in your ways

that your love shines through our lives. Amen.