Just A Thought Or Two . . .
“I Know My Sheep and My Sheep Know Me”
One day a man was arrested in Australia. He was charged with stealing a sheep. He didn’t care what the other man said. He knew that the sheep belonged to him as he had searched for him for over a week. The case went to court. The judge listened to the testimony of the men. They both sounded believable.
The judge asked the plaintiff to step outside and call the animal. The sheep did not move. He just looked up with frightened eyes. The judge told the defendant to go to the courtyard and call the sheep. When the accused man called the sheep the joyful animal ran into his waiting arms. The judge watched the scene and said, “This sheep knows his shepherd. The case is closed.”
Last Sunday’s Gospel was from St. John. Jesus said, “The shepherd calls his own sheep by name. He walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” The question becomes, “Do we really know the Shepherd? Do we recognize his voice? Do we know his call?” There are so many voices that seek our attention during these springtime days. We are called to prayer. The voice of the Good Shepherd changes lives. When a Shepherd calls believers listen. By the grace of God, we hear the voice of Jesus. Jesus offers salvation and offers life for eternity.
The large auditorium was full. Two men were prepared to recite the Twenty-third Psalm. The first man was an actor. The psalm was presented with such power. The audience loved his dramatic flair and cheered, asking for an encore.
The second man got up and walked to the microphone. He began with the same words – “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” The older man recited the same psalm. When he finished he walked back to his chair. There wasn’t a sound. The audience sat in quiet prayer.
The actor once again approached the microphone and said, “I must apologize. You may have noticed a big difference between the two presentations. I know the psalm but my friend knows the Shepherd.
Lives change when we know the Shepherd. Not one of us will ever be the same. When the Shepherd calls His sheep, He goes before them. A shepherd does not drive the sheep – a shepherd just leads. We do not have to face the unknown alone.
When faith is placed in Jesus Christ, salvation is offered. Jesus doesn’t exclude anyone. The Shepherd is out searching for those who are lost and away from the fold. All who respond in faith will be brought into the flock and will be saved.
Please come and pray with us. Liturgy: Wednesday, May 21st, 1:05 p.m., All Saints Catholic Church. REMEMBERING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED. Hosted by the specialists.