Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” Jesus said to him, ” Feed my lambs”
When I was in the Service, the Army would store ammunition in an “Ammo Dump” . Ciggarettes, lighters or combustible engines were not allowed inside the facility for obvious reasons. The grassy areas were maintained by sheep grazing on the grass areas around the multiply storage areas.
I recently had a friend who is the son on an Episcopal Priest send me a wonderful reflection. The story revolved around a specific “Bummer Lambs”. Bummer Lambs are lambs rejected by their mothers. Some of the female sheep my not be able to produce milk. Others may not have any maternal instinct. Once the rejection happens it is permanent and the Bummer Lambs are left to die. However, the shepherd feeds the lamb until it is ready to be reintroduced to the flock. Then when the shepherd calls the bummer lamb come running.
At various times in our lives we may be bummer lambs. We may feel abandoned by a spouse, a friend, a child or employer. There may be others in our lives who may be a bummer lamb who needs us to “Feed my lambs” “Tend my sheep” and “feed my sheep”.
Jesus speaks of Peter’s death which does not seem that it fits the other part of the message but Jesus ends this portion of the Gospel by saying “Follow Me!”
Yes, Follow Jesus. This is for the seat of Peter but also for us. We have a duty to feed, tend and feed the lambs and sheep in our life. They are the forgotten, the lonely and the bummer lambs are all around us. They not only need food, but shelter and emotional support but Love. We are here today because at one time or other we may have been or will be a bummer lamb. Remember the shepherd’s voice.
Follow Jesus and shepherd them.
God Love You always
Bob Burford
Picture credit:“Lambs of Arnside 3 of 4” by Ian Livesey is marked with CC PDM 1.0
