Sheep and Goats

Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46

 

Sheep and goats are both useful animals to human beings.  Sheep provide wool for our clothing and meat for our sustenance.  Goats provide both these things as well, in addition to milk products as an additional food source for human beings.  So, why are sheep and goats seen in very different lights? Why is one regarded as saved and the other as damned?

 

Sheep are compliant and can be trained to listen to the voice of the shepherd and follow where he goes.  Goats, by contrast, are ornery creatures that do what they like.  They cannot be trained; they can only be contained to a certain area where they can do the least amount of damage to  the land and to other animals in the farm. 

 

We seek to be like sheep, following the word and direction of the shepherd.  He who provided food and drink to the hungry and thirsty; provided presence, healing, and liberation to the sick and imprisoned; welcome and table fellowship with the stranger and outcast.  These are the sole criteria of our judgment before God.  We need not know any Bible verses or catechism questions or deep theology.  We need only love and serve those who are in need.