Case Dismissed

When a man in Australia was arrested for stealing a sheep, he claimed the animal belonged to him. When the case went to trial, the judge was puzzled, not knowing how to decide the matter.

At last he asked that the sheep be brought into the courtroom. He then ordered the plaintiff to step outside and call the animal. The sheep made no response except to raise its head and look frightened. The judge then instructed the defendant to go to the courtyard and call the sheep.

When the accused man began to make his distinctive call, the sheep bounded toward the door. It was obvious that he recognized the familiar voice of his master. "His sheep knows him," said the judge. "Case dismissed!"

Jesus, the good shepherd, knows you by name. He tells us that when the wolves approach "the hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep."

How does that make you feel? Remember this in tough times - times of loneliness and lost direction. At times all of us will feel the peering eyes of the wolf upon us. At all times the protective eyes of the Lord will keep watch over us. Maybe those eyes are disguised as a friend, a parent, a spouse, a child.

Don't give the wolf too much power - stare back at the Lord, ask to hear his voice - and let him lead you to greener pastures.

How Will I Be Judged?

Notre Dame cardiologist, Dr. Paul Wright ’72 was fixated on a question that penetrated every facet of his life: How will Jesus judge me at the moment of my death? Determined to find an answer to the question, Dr. Wright sought out a specialist – a spiritual specialist.

In February of 1992, he successfully arranged a meeting with Mother Teresa. When Dr. Wright posed his question to Mother Teresa, she responded, “Jesus said whatever you do for he least of our brothers and sisters,” and touching one his fingers with each word, she concluded “you…did…it…for…me." She did not ask any questions about Dr. Wright’s religion or profession. Those issues did not matter to her. All she saw was a person in need of her message of love and compassion.

The first words that Jesus utters in his public ministry reflect the spirit of Dr. Wright’s quest. When John the Baptist’s disciples begin to follow Jesus, our Lord asks them "What do you seek?" Andrew and Peter got it right. They sought the Lord who sought them. Jesus also has a specific task in life for each of us. We have been hand-picked, called by name. This day think about how you will be judged. Wherever you are, create an opportunity to be present to others - halt any negative impulses to judge or to speak out of insecurities and jealousies. Remember there is no one among us who does not have a divine vocation!

When It's Tough to Stay the Course

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry since he had an appointment at 9:00 am The gentleman explained that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife who suffered from Alzheimer's disease. As the doctor finished dressing the man's wound, the physician asked if the man would be worried if he would be a bit late. The patient explained that his wife no longer knew who he was -- that she had not recognized him in five years. The physician was amazed. "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" He smiled as he patted the doctor's hand and said. "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

What wisdom - what love. No matter how this man's actions were judged - perhaps with great admiration - perhaps with criticism for subjecting himself to unnecessary grief - he knew a truth that transcended other's opinions. And nothing would keep him from those daily visits with his wife. Jesus urges us to stay the course. Know that some will be critical of you - no matter how much good you do and no matter how much excellence you bring to your work. Our Lord was denounced as a glutton and a drunkard - and his cousin, John as demonic for eating and drinking so little. There just was no pleasing that crowd.

We need to strengthen our internal compass, trust its accuracy, and then follow the course. If we are honest with ourselves, "Who are we really trying to please?" Today ask the Lord to empty you of ego seeking, to fill you his Spirit. Know that He will deliver a peace, joy and confidence that will fortify you to live your day for what really matters. Kathleen M. Sullivan, PhD