Dear Brothers and Sisters,
ALLELUJAH! CHRIST IS RISEN!
This week’s lectionary readings are full of references to sheep and lambs. Those of you who know me well or have heard me preach before on this Sunday, typically called Good Shepherd Sunday, know that I have an attitude about sheep, having grown up in farm country. And that attitude is not entirely favorable. Maybe because the sheep I grew up with were also pastured with goats and learned lots of mischief from them.
Sure, spring lambies are sweet, fuzzy and cuddly-looking. Kind of like the Baby Yodas that have been appearing in stores and in Facebook memes: big dark, gentle eyes and cute ears that move around in all directions. You might think of reaching out, gathering them into your arms and squuushing them—gently, of course.
Don’t be fooled. They grow up to be sharp-hooved, pushy, smelly beasts, prone to wander off and do their own thing or to gather together and follow a strong leader, even into places that are not good for them. I was trying not to say it, but….KIND OF LIKE US HUMANS.
Sometimes I wonder. What was God thinking? Didn’t God know what an incredible handful we would be? The wonder of all times, is that God still loves us anyway. What astonishing patience God has!
To be a shepherd, you have to have that same sort of love and patience. AND be a bit smarter than the sheep. Ask anyone who has ever raised sheep.
But sheep can also be pretty good companions if you spend time with them and get to know their particularities. Especially once they are comfortable with you and know your voice. They respond to your calls and that can keep them away from danger.
Jesus himself claimed the title of Shepherd to us, with all that entails: loving us, caring for us, worrying and praying for us, even putting his own life on the line. Hopefully, we wily sheep will not fail to listen and respond to his leadership, till he leads us safely Home.
THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED. ALLELUJAH!
Mo. Laura+
UPCOMING
June 4, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM St. Margaret’s Annual Community Yard Sale (view/download flyer)