FAITHFUL FLOCK
My parents were always enamored with the "country lifestyle." Growing up, they always gave us kids the responsibility of raising and caring for animals. As the oldest, I was put in charge of our free-range chickens. I didn’t mind most of their chores like feeding and collecting eggs, but I absolutely hated rounding them up to roost at night. There was always a bird or two that would dart away from the group and complicate my job - much like the lost sheep in today’s gospel. I especially resented it when they would fly up into a tree and I’d have to climb up and flush them out with a rake.
Reflecting on Jesus as the shepherd in today's gospel, I invited him into my memories and imagined him helping me round up those chickens. He definitely giggled at my frustration over the ones I’d have to knock out of the tree. The irony is not lost on me. I know he’s had to “knock me out of a tree” several times before, and I’m sure he’ll need to do so again! However, this particular Advent season I actually relate more to the ninety-nine that stay together while the Shepherd goes off. I don’t feel “lost” right now, even though I’ve definitely had those moments in the past. I also know that Jesus is constantly coming after my soul regardless. So where do I fit into the picture right now when I am happily at peace in the flock?
I remember that when I had to chase down individual birds, I was always just thankful it didn’t have to be all of them. There is a special gratitude and love that the shepherd has for his flock that remains faithful and doesn’t wander off while he does his job. The particular joy of finding that lost sheep becomes all the more beautiful because there is a flock to rejoin!
I pray that no matter where we find ourselves this Advent season- as the lost sheep, or part of the flock- that we may be given the grace to be aware of Jesus’s individual love for each of us as his own.
Liana Merrill