Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.” John 10:11-12

The wolf that divides and scatters us is fear: fear of those whose beliefs are different from ours, fear of change, fear of diversity, fear of unity, fear of being overlooked, fear of betrayal, fear of touching those who are ill, fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of not having enough, fear of loving, fear of being loved.

With infinite love, patience, and kindness, the Good Shepherd carries us through the fear and guides us back to wholeness and oneness.

Today I will take refuge with the Good Shepherd and trust his guidance. I will put my attention on God’s kindness and mercy instead of fear. I will thank God for hearing me when I ask for help.