It is a bad thing, nowadays, to be called a sheep. It suggests that we are useless without a leader, that we are too passive to run our own lives, that we haven’t the inner strength to use our own autonomy.
But, as Christians, we do place our entire lives into the hands of Jesus. It is true that we should use our initiative, our gifts, our strength. But we should do this in keeping with our oneness in Jesus.
After all, he was the one who was crucified for our sins, who showed us ultimate leadership. That leadership is born from humility, his power is born from lowliness. Were we to enter into this same frame of mind, and to make it our life’s work to be followers of Christ, then we would be living as true and faithful Christians.
This is our life’s work. We are his sheep. He sustains us, he leads us to nourishment and peace, and out of harm. Let us, then pray to Christ for the gift of his discipleship, that we may love and be loved, follow and lead, be his sheep and being others into his fold.
GOSPEL John 10:27-30
Jesus said:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.