The beauty of the parable lies within the challenge of thought and meditation that we as sheep contemplate: have we done our charitable deeds that are pleasing for our Good Shepherd? Have we been kind to others when they needed us to be? Have we acted with our eyes wide open to see Christ in all those we meet and all we do? Or have we placed ourselves away from the flock and had moments where we acted in judgement towards others, failed to be the Lord’s humble servant and failed to heed His good works?
In Matthew 20:22-23, James and John, sons of Zeb’edee are asked by Jesus, “Are you able to drink the chalice that I am to drink?” Both respond yes, but they did not know what it truly meant or required to sit at the right hand of the Lord. To drink from the chalice signifies the readiness to participate in the banquet of the Eucharist, and through his sorrowful passion we grow in unison in love with Him. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is the food for everlasting life.
As we begin our Lenten journey this week let us find the Good Shepherd in the eyes of those we encounter during work, personal lives, and those who we newly encounter. Let us challenge ourselves to move out of the comfort of our private and controlled space and help those in need of our attention. Be still and hear the call of our brothers and sisters in need.
