By Diane Maupin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri USA

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

I have been told multiple flocks of sheep can mingle at a watering hole, but when one shepherd wants his flock to move on, he makes a sound, clucks the tongue a certain way, or speaks a word. His sheep recognize that sound, and only his sheep follow. They recognize their shepherd’s voice.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He said, “My sheep hear my voice…and they follow me.” Do we recognize his voice in the world?

We live in a world full of voices—voices screaming to get our attention. As disciples of the Living Christ we have to sort through that din of voices. We must listen carefully because not all those voices promote the principles we claim as a faith movement—principles such as Sacredness of Creation, Worth of All Persons, and Pursuit of Peace.

Some of those voices encourage fear, hate, separation, and discrimination. Some call for harsh judgment against ethnic groups and minorities, labeling people based on inaccurate views and stories we might hear or read in the news. We need to know the sound of our shepherd’s voice—and we need to listen to what that shepherd says.

God breaks through the loud, confusing noise of our world to speak words of hope, trust, and love, and as we hear the voice of the Shepherd, we are called to echo that voice. We are called to follow the voice of the Shepherd who invites us into life as disciples. We also are called to be shepherds—in a world that cries out for people who will take the responsibility of shepherding, caring for people and all of creation.

Prayer Phrase

“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Spiritual Practice

Sea of Light

Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.