Lambs Among Wolves

In this time post Dobbs / Roe vs. Wade, this line from the Gospel spoke to me so clearly: I am sending you like lambs among wolves. What a perfect reading for this week and the times we are living in. 

We live in a very divisive environment right now, where there’s a lot of hatred, anger, and acting out in the name of justice – with all sorts of different definitions of what justice actually is. 

I was reminded that in the middle of this, we are called to be lambs: bearers of Christ’s peace. We aren’t called to be among the wolves.

A woman I know posted a beautiful response to the Dobbs / Roe v. Wade's reversal decision on Facebook that was the best I’ve seen. It spoke truth about the sanctity of sex and life, while also communicating respect and love for those who disagreed with her. It was a message that conveyed peace.

That’s an example of being a lamb among wolves. Speaking truth, peace, and life, but doing it with a listening heart, respect, and love as Jesus would have done.

As I reflected on this, I was reminded of the Gospel passage where the scribes and Pharisees were trying to stone the woman who had committed adultery and violated religious law. Jesus had a different response. He still loved her despite her choice to sin. He peacefully stopped the madness, saved her from being stoned, and told her to go and sin no more. 

Aren’t we to do likewise? 

Like Jesus, we don’t have to condone sin, but we do need to act peacefully as disciples. So as you think about how to respond to this issue and others, think about what Jesus would do and think about what it means to be a lamb and bearer of peace. Let those considerations guide your response.