THE (OTHER) PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP
It’s not always scary when the wolves are howling at the gate. Sometimes they’re persuasive, calling me to join them. They tell me the sheepfold isn’t really keeping me safe but keeping me from living my best life. It’s hard not to want to follow them.
The flock’s not paying attention. Maybe if I wander out just a bit…
…and find myself halfway down a cliff!
Where are those voices now? I’m abandoned, lost.
Suddenly, arms are grasping me. I’m bleating in fright! Then, I hear a familiar voice. A voice I trust. It’s pulling me back from the brink, and I know I’m safe.
Relief fills me. A bit of shame – why did I follow the wolves? I’m not like them. I have a Father who leads me along a different path. The love He lavishes on me, I took advantage of that. But it’s hard when other voices, other paths, beckon. Is it wrong to want to explore and experiment?
The Shepherd sits down among the flock, His arms still holding on to me. I nuzzle Him, comforted, the fear already only a memory. He begins to speak.
He tells us He’s been tempted, too, and betrayed, and rejected. But His – our – Father held His hand all the way, until He was safely home. The Shepherd says He gives His life for us. I’m looking at Him in gratitude. He’s never abandoned us, unlike those hired people. He knows each one of us.
I forget He agonizes over me when I go off on my own. I forget to ask Him if it’s okay. I forget I don’t always know how to make it through the world outside, but that He does.
He’s petting me. I look up – there’re puncture marks on His hands. I remember how He got them. I feel ashamed again. My Shepherd gives me everything I need. He fights off predators. Sometimes He even brings in strange sheep. He says there’re many more out there. He’s calling other helpers, too, other shepherds to help Him. He says He needs us to pray with Him that our Father will send lots of them. I promise Him I’ll pray with all my heart.
I ask if a sheep can be a shepherd. He laughs and says yes. He wants me to help Him teach His other sheep and share my life with them. He hugs me close to His heart, and I am happy, so happy. That’s the other thing I forget: I have love in abundance here. I don’t have to prove anything. I just need to walk close to Him.
I watch my Shepherd close the gate and stand guard. He’ll be there the whole night. My eyes are closing, but first I pray to my Father for a whole flock of shepherds for the whole flock of sheep still out there. I’d like to be a good shepherd. Maybe I can start with the lambs. Tomorrow. For now, my Good Shepherd is watching over me, I’m safe with my flock, and my Father’s peace is flowing over me…
Father, bless my Good Shepherd and His Earthly ministers. Send us in abundance Your priests and religious to bring home those You have called for Your own. And teach us, Your flock, to love and trust You completely, and to find joy in walking only with You.
Your loving lamb
Article by Joyce Norma, HFC Blog Contributor