How to live beyond the call of duty

HOW TO LIVE BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

Jn. 10:11-18

In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks of the “good shepherd” and the “hired man” - and the difference in their level of commitment.  There is no suggestion that the hired man was a bad shepherd.  As far as we know, he diligently performed all his duties, keeping the flock together and guiding them to an adequate supply of food and water. The difference between the two men was revealed at the point of crisis.

There would come a day when the flock would be threatened by a wolf.  When the hired man’s life was in danger his priority would be to care for himself and not the sheep.  But the good shepherd would never do that.  He would stay and, if necessary, die protecting his flock.  Jesus then went on to identify Himself as the Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for the sheep.

In defence of the hired man no one can honestly criticise him simply because he is unwilling to die for sheep!  He was hired to take care of them but not to give his life for the flock.  That dedication, if it comes, must come voluntarily from the heart.  Money cannot buy it and the law cannot require it.  This is what Jesus is indicating when He says, “I lay down My life for My sheep of My own free will.”

When Jesus went to Calvary, He was functioning at a level above and beyond the call of duty.  The Cross was something which no one could have required of Him.  No law could be passed compelling a man to sacrifice himself like that.  In going to the Cross, Jesus was acting beyond the call of duty.

In every walk of life there is set a minimum of demands.  A worker is expected to show up for work at a particular time, remain on the job for a certain number of hours, and do certain things while he or she is there.  There is a certain minimal demand expected of a father or a mother.  They must provide adequate food, clothing and shelter for their children.  A minimum of duties is expected in other walks of life, too, be that person a student, a public official, a priest.  We are all confronted with duties which we must perform or else we suffer the consequences of our neglect.

But we need to note that the greatness of life lies in the realm that is beyond the call of duty.  Jesus is remembered and loved as the Good Shepherd because He willingly took on Himself what was extraordinary - on the Cross He laid down His life for us.  Our own existence would be very dull if all we did was the bare minimum expected of us; when we give our full commitment, of course, life will be hard but it will become a joy and much more worthwhile.

This happens, for example, when a student discovers the joy of learning by making demands on himself that his teacher does not require.  Family life takes on beauty and meaning when husband and wife, parents and children, begin to give of themselves for the benefit of the others, even in small ways.  People's work becomes a privilege, a commitment and more worthwhile when they stop thinking in terms of minimal requirements and begin to work above and beyond the call of duty.

That should be the aim of every follower of Christ.  We should break free from legalism, doing just what the law requires, in how we work for the Church and in the time we give to prayer, in our home and in our relationships, in our local community and the wider world.  'If you love those who love you, what reward can you expect?'  Jesus asked His followers.  'Even the tax collectors do as much!'  We have to “love our enemies” He said … that is above and beyond the call of duty.

Lord Jesus, You have to be our inspiration in the way we think and work.  You laid down Your life for us, Your sheep.  We too must learn to lay down our lives for others.  We have to realise that we can never pay back the debt of gratitude we owe You because Your Sacrifice went beyond the call of duty.  May we follow Your example and do the best we can every day of our lives.

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