Sheep Amidst Wolves

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. Matthew 10:16-23

There are times when we all feel vulnerable. Some live theirs whole lives in constant vulnerability due to poverty, culture, race, immigration status and more. We watch helplessly as vulnerable and frightened folks attempt to flee Gaza, being thwarted at every turn. Wolves do live among us whether they are world leaders, terrorists, or right closer to home. We are reminded today that the Creator's spirit will speak through us, even when the solves are at the door, and blessings will come. It is hard to imagine what blessings might arise at a dangerous border crossing. And, we are invited at all times and places to put the precious vulnerable ones into God's hands when have done our best.

Loving Creator, God of miracle and mystery

your love surrounds all the peoples of the earth

you ache to guide and protect every one of us

and you weep when we attempt to destroy one another.

We take our safety and security as a given

while others suffer because of our neglect

we too often turn away when the wolves appear

and hide behind wealth and distance s others die.

Help us Lord to hear the cries of your people

let us not see anyone as enemy but as family

make us ever ready to give aid and comfort

and make us shepherds who protect all the sheep. Amen.