July 2, 2010
The Second Half
Sheep among wolves
BY DEACON JIM AND ANN CAVERA
“Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3) Back in the sixties, group leaders, in an effort to help us “find ourselves,” often asked what kind of animal we would choose to be and why. We never remember a single person choosing to be a lamb. Even we city folks knew that lambs were basically at the mercy of others. This was common knowledge back in Jesus’ day as well. Jesus wanted his followers to trust in him, but he also wanted them to know they were being sent into a dangerous world.
This practice of sending forth continues in the Church to this day. Many religious orders have special ceremonies, often at this time of year, to formally celebrate this event. Bishops often choose to announce the assignments of the newly ordained at the conclusion of the Ordination Mass. We had a similar experience in the Peace Corps in 1965 when we received our assignments, informing us of a specific location where we would work and live for the next two years. It was a moment of excitement, anticipation, and wonder. What would the conditions be like? Would it be safe? What kind of housing would we have? Would the people accept us? The unknown always fills us with questions.
Through Baptism all of us have been called to a “sending forth,” to carry the words to others that the “kingdom of God is at hand.” At the conclusion of every Mass, we are sent forth with words, such as “go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” For most of us, the notion that we are actually being “sent forth” to change the world never crosses our minds. Our schedule pops back into our consciousness and we move on. Visits need to be made, meals need to be fixed or bought, the lawn has to be cut, games have to be played or watched and we can’t forget the stuff we need to buy at the store. The list goes on and on. The fact that we are being sent forth by Christ evaporates before we get out of the parking lot. The part about being sent like lambs among wolves is omitted from the final blessing, so we never even think about that. Besides, wasn’t Jesus talking about life two thousand years ago?
Many of us realize wolves are present now more than ever and they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be slick and smart and beautiful and they don’t even have to be real. The new wolves only have to attract our attention. For example, most of us can quickly come up with a list of addictions that can take over lives. Some have been around for so long they go back to the day of Christ. Others, the product of our own technology, are so new that we are only now discovering their addictive powers. One author and commentator has been labeled the “Antichrist of the Internet” because he expresses concern that the Internet has become like a religion for some people. The more people are mentally absorbed by “virtual realities” the less time they have available for the true realities found in faith, family and friendship.
The world is a dangerous place, but we are lambs with a message that must be shared. No matter where we find ourselves, or what we encounter, Christ is ever alive, ever present. When faced with True Reality, the wolves are defenseless.
Deacon Jim and Ann Cavera are former residents of Evansville; their award-winning column is a regular feature of the Message. Contact them at www.catholicseniorspirit.com.