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Hello St. John’s Family,
Earlier this week as we were catching up on the events of the day, my wife asked me if I caught a trending story regarding the “world’s loneliest sheep.” I hadn’t, so Jen filled me in. Apparently, one sheep wandered ~820 feet down a Scottish cliff over 2 years ago and hasn’t been able to make its way back up. The steep and rugged cliff descends to the sea, and it’s very difficult for boats to come ashore in that area. So, this sheep (named Fiona by the kayaker who discovered her in 2021) has been trapped all this time. Healthy, though desperately in need of a shearing, Fiona has lived alone in a cave. While the farmer who owned her was aware of her plight, he was hesitant to ask for help due to the difficulty and danger of a rescue. If anyone was injured, it would “be on him.”
As news of Fiona’s loneliness spread, the kayaker who had found and periodically checked in on her decided to organize a rescue. Earlier this week, four brave persons, a heavy-duty winch, and lots of caution and care did the trick. Fiona is now safe and sheared, residing at a farm where the public can visit her.
I suspect many of us will quickly think of one of Jesus’ most well-known “I am” statements: I am the good shepherd (John 10:11). Fiona’s story drives home Jesus’ point powerfully: there is significant risk and danger, as well as time and cost, in going after a lost sheep! In the parable of the lost sheep recorded in Matthew and Luke, Christ speaks of leaving 99 healthy and safe sheep to go after one that is lost. Economically and rationally, it doesn’t make sense. Still, there isn’t anything that will stop Christ. I think the bridge of Reckless Love, the popular contemporary Christian song, best summarizes Jesus’ approach:
There's no shadow you won't light up, Mountain you won't climb up, Coming after me
There's no wall you won't kick down, Lie you won't tear down, Coming after me
Interestingly, the more I thought of Fiona’s story, another detail came to mind: the immense loneliness she must have felt. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, “sheep display an intensely gregarious social instinct.” Being isolated and alone for over two years must have been difficult. That thought reminded me of a recent conversation with Jeff Cartwright, one of our members, who noted how the Surgeon General recently reported that loneliness is a public health crisis. The report notes that “prior to Covid-19 approximately 50% of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness,” and that “loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives, and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily.” [1] Jeff’s point in our conversation: shouldn’t we, the church, be the warm, welcoming, hope-filled alternative to the loneliness and difficulty so many experience?
I doubt any of us would argue with Jeff – he hits the nail on the head! Yet, how do we connect others with the welcoming, warmth, love, and hope that we share? The simplest, and according to research, the most effective way: we personally invite someone. And there’s the challenge. Extending an invitation involves risk, perhaps even danger. No, it’s not falling down an 820-foot cliff into the sea danger, yet there is the danger of being rejected. There is danger of being looked at differently, as we must become vulnerable and reveal something about ourselves to extend an invitation. Perhaps, though, our invitation might be the prompt that enables someone to experience the genuine connection and love they need – and are hallmarks of our St. John’s Family. Perhaps our invitation could be the first step out of loneliness and into loving care.
This Sunday in worship we’ll explore Matthew 25:1-13. This is the first of 3 parables in Matthew 25 that describe God’s reign – the “kingdom of heaven” – in times of difficulty and waiting. We’ll reflect on the difference between the wise and foolish bridesmaids in the parable, and what wisdom looks like for us.
I hope you’ll join me Sunday morning-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
[1] https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/03/new-surgeon-general-advisory-raises-alarm-about-devastating-impact-epidemic-loneliness-isolation-united-states.html
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