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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

Like sheep in the midst of wolves

Opinion

Like sheep in the midst of wolves

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gospel • Matthew 10:16-23

The Bible refers to sheep more than 500 times, with specific terms indicating types on the basis of age, sex, and breed; in the Hebrew Scriptures most references are literal, while most in the New Testament are metaphorical.

Domestic sheep are valued for the necessities they provide—milk, meat, hides, and wool.

They are favored as sacrificial animals (Lv 1:10; 4:32), so it is not surprising that the crucified Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God in Johannine literature (Jn 1:29; Rv 5:6).

Sheep are gentle and docile, largely defenseless and in need of constant supervision. For this reason, the people of God are depicted as a flock under the care of God (e.g., Ps 78:52), of Jesus (Jn 10), or of human leaders (Ez 34).

As Jesus sends the Twelve, he describes them as sheep in the midst of wolves. They will be defenseless and vulnerable as they go about their mission. But they are not to be afraid of bearing witness to Jesus who, as their shepherd, will protect and care for them. God’s Spirit will be the power that will speak through them. “The Lord is my shepherd… ” Psalm 23 is one of the best-loved psalms.

Do you see yourself as a sheep belonging to the Lord’s flock? Does your faith in Jesus Good Shepherd give you strength and comfort in times of trial and tragedy?

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS 366 Days with the Lord

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