Who Are We Missing?

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.

So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

(John 10:14-16)

"Who are we missing?", she asked, standing before the group. She wasn't expecting those missing to answer, of course, but she intended for us to ensure we were standing with our buddy - and let her know if they weren't there. Some of us clasped hands, and others jokingly poked or pushed one another as if to verify their presence. It certainly seemed we were all here.

Who are we missing? When we consider our friends and loved ones - determining recipients of our compassion and care - who are we missing? When we're doling out benefits of housing and food security, access to physical and mental healthcare, preparation for jobs that provide living wages, who are we missing? When we are drawing the boarders of our school districts, and balancing our local government budgets, who are we missing? When we are hiring and promoting, who are we missing? When we're listing the names of those lives lost due to the violence caused by societal negligence, inequality and hate, who are we missing?

Who doesn't know that God's love and grace are available for them? Whose creativity might allow someone to see, feel, taste, and hear the gospel in new ways? Whose caring nature might envelop those who have felt discarded? Whose knowledge might spark a desire to learn in someone who had been apathetic? Who are we missing? Living as the body of Christ should cause us to expand the fold so our reach can extend further, our stride can be longer, our heart can be fuller, our hands can be stronger. We have a responsibility to create a world where thriving is conceivable for all even as we endeavor to extend to all the grace that we have received. Every person, and every experience they bring, is valuable. So, look around. Is your buddy beside you?

Who are we missing?