As I reflect upon the Good Shepherd passage (John 10:11-18) I imagine that I am walking amidst the fields, possibly not yet of gold, but of new shoots. The soil is still moist…well wet..it’s Scotland. I feel the soil clinging to the bottom of my boots. It’s heavy, I can hear a slight sucking noise as I walk along the rows of new life.
Way ahead of me I can see a flock of sheep across a stone wall. I pause a while, resting my forearms on the top of the wall. Are these sheep all that I can see?
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.
John 10:16a
Where are these ‘sheep’? As I look, my perspective changes to one of the inner city – not mine perhaps, but one I have seen on the news. Of the recent skirmishes from Northern Ireland, of that re-emergence of Protestant and Catholic divides. Of the simmering tensions in Minnesota, well possibly boiling over as the trial comes to its conclusion. Of the perceived white-led police force and those whom are targeted. The divisions are so evident.
In churches in the States, of those whom are pro-vaccine and those whom are not: pro-mask and not. Of division.
I close my eyes. I try to feel that tension, that power that is not visible but certainly tangible. I look for Jesus amidst this field, the Good Shepherd. Amidst the noise, the cacophony of the different voices, I eagerly seek to hear Christ’s voice. What might Jesus be saying to us? …
Where do I stand?
Do I stand by this wall, feeling its protection, separated from the incident; knowing that it is happening so many miles from where I live, or do I know that it is humanity fighting humanity?: divided yet again. What do we wish to say to God at this time?
Let me pause to pray for those in the midst of those troubles.