‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’ John 10:1-18
To be known and loved is a true gift which many of us take for granted. Yet too many people are overlooked, left alone and lost in this world. Too much of God's creation is abused, destroyed and sold for profit. Many feel silenced and shut off by the powers that be today. Others are targets of anger and bigotry and have no protection. Into the very midst and heart of these anxious and troubling times, Jesus comes to tell us that we belong to him, and we are protected and defended by him. We are not a random collection of misfits but rather the beloved flock of Jesus. May we have hope in the days to come and raise our voices and offer our help to others, since we are all one flock, and we have a sacred shepherd who loves us all.
Mighty Creator, send you holy wind today
to cleanse the earth of tyrants and torturers
to free to imprisoned and bring home deportees
make us your beloved flock and be our shepherd here.
We have let harsh words and cruel gestures pass
we have let judgement and exclusion rule the day
we are all suffering the consequences of hate
and many are cowering alone in great fear.
Help us to stand up and follow you today
let us be counted as your flock and you our shepherd
lead us to the places of need, want and deep fear
so we might carry your love to the scattered flock. Amen.
