The Lamb of Christ

Katy has sent this piece to publish at the All Saints Blog.  It is so poignant, especially for  us in the world today.  I will not wait to jump on board!  Having already accepted that Jesus is my Lord and Savior and that He died for my sins has literally saved my very life.  Jesus gives me so much peace and sanity in this time of extreme distraction. 

Thank you, Katy!  These words speak not only to the saints of today, but also to those who are thinking of hopping on board.  

Welcome to the All Saints Blog, Katy! 

Katy has also sent more beautiful hymms that are posted here at 'Miscellaneous Music.'  Click Here to Access. 

At Mass today I heard this, and want to share:

In the times of Christ, the sacrifice of a lamb was a big deal, a real sacrifice. The culture of Israel at the time relied on the milk and wool of their flocks of sheep.

Flocks of sheep were carefully tended, as they had few natural defenses. Shepherds hung out with their flocks, moving them here and there, from water and grass to water grass areas. Sometimes at night, shepherds of different flocks would pen their flocks together, both for ease-of-protection reasons and also so they could enjoy the night in human company.

In the morning, as they each set out their own way, the sheep would each follow their own shepherd. The flocks naturally separated themselves. The sheep knew the voice of their own shepherd after many days and years; the shepherd too knew his own sheep. The shepherd merely called his sheep, who know his voice, and they followed.

The question asked of us was: do you know the voice of Our Shepherd?  (Our Sweetest Jesus, who cares for us beyond all reason?)   

If you spend a lot of time listening to other voices, to those of other values and pursuits, will you and The Good Shepherd know each other?

This is not new information, but so timely. This world seeks to distract and seduce us with many voices. Many folks I know think they will “Jump on board” at the last minute—but I wonder if fear, even terror, and confusion will overwhelm those who have not learned, through loving communion, to trust…

Also, consider how you know someone. Time, proximity, company, and communication result in familiarity. You probably laugh at the idea that you would not know your own child, or cat or dog, even in a big group of children cats or dogs that looked like yours. That is because you spend so much time and attention caring and interacting. Yet people seem bothered (!) to spend time caring and interacting with Our Most Loving Shepherd. 

One last thought---if your loving child or pet or spouse stopped loving you, no longer wanted your caresses, no longer responded to your voice—the thought of this makes tears well up in my eyes—what would be your reaction? Would you continue to love, to offer gifts, to long for the day of reconnection? We know that is how Jesus acts. His unfathomable mercy is enduring. All He waits for is for  you to listen for His voice, and once again welcome His perfect protection and His caring caress, and to join the fold you are meant to be part of—a fold of eternal happiness beyond description.

Madonna, Christ Child and ST Anne, by Leonardo da Vinci