Choose Life
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April 22, 2018“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd.” (Jn 10:10-11)
Too often, I let in the thief. At the moment when this happens, the thief pleases me. He appeals to my inner destructiveness, my rage. I have become passive to the damage the thief is doing to my life and, through me, to that of others. If I let the thief in, the whole flock is worse off. It is my choice to let him in. Can I choose differently?
I must reject the thief, and all his pomp, and all his empty promises. I must close the gate and stand guard. I must learn to recognize the voice of the thief when I hear it – and that of the Shepherd, too. I must learn to recognize death when it is knocking on my gate – and life abundant, too. The thief that steals joy and kills love and destroys peace must be identified and rejected. It is the Shepherd who gives life and love and strength and courage. Without him, I can do nothing. But I can – must – choose to listen to his voice, choose to follow him rather than another, choose life.
“Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life.”
(Marty Haugen after Ps 23)
