Friday July 12th: Sheep among wolves

Like sheep we are vulnerable, gentle and trusting of Him, the Shepherd.

Matthew 10: 16 – 23

Today’s gospel passage outlines the realities of discipleship. Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be cunning as serpents and yet harmless as doves”.

These words apply to us today as well. As the apostles did in Biblical times, we also live in a world that seems hostile and indifferent to the message of the gospel. The gospel identifies the hostilities and indifference as persecutions, trials, betrayals and lack of interest. Times may have changed but the difficulties Christians face today are similar to those of the past.

Disciples cannot fight fire with fire. We cannot be hostile and indifferent in return. Jesus, in sending us out like sheep, expects us to behave like sheep, even in the face of hostilities and indifference. Like sheep we are vulnerable, gentle and trusting of Him, the Shepherd.

Further, Jesus advises that we be cunning and harmless. Cunning helps us to discern and wisely navigate the difficulties of the world; harmless keeps us pure and God-centred.