Our role as sheep

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is also known as "Good Shepherd Sunday" with the readings centering on that theme. It is important for us to keep in mind that our Lord who rose victorious and ascended to heaven is indeed still alive and well among us through the work of the Holy Spirit. Unlike us, God is not limited by space and time, but can truly give each of us individualized care, just like we picture a good shepherd knowing all of his or her sheep by name, as well as knowing their individual needs and idiosyncrasies. And as for the sheep, as Jesus says in John 10:27, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me."

While we rightly emphasize the wonder of the Good Shepherd's care for us, His sheep, we must also consider our role as sheep. Shepherds don't raise sheep as pets, but because they offer benefits for society such as wool, milk, rams' horns, meat. In Bible times, they were also raised to be offered as sacrifices. And so for us as God's sheep, a good question to ask is: What benefits am I bringing to the world around me? How is God using me to reflect His love in my circle of influence?

St. Paul writes in Romans 12:1-2, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."

Another way of putting that is to find your identity first and foremost as sheep under the Good Shepherd's care who has a purpose for us. And as we follow His lead, the Holy Spirit will make that purpose more and more clear. We all have various roles in life such as parent, worker, student, neighbor, etc. But as we fulfill those roles we do so having our identity in Christ who leads us through His Word to see how best we can bring that great benefit of inviting people to know Jesus and providing opportunities for them to grow in His love. Pastor Schmidt