Are you a sheep, a goat, or a hybrid? You may have been asked, “If you weren’t a human, what animal would you be?” Researchers have concluded that animals, too, have unique personalities and characteristics. Most of us, especially those who own a common house pet such as a dog or cat, may attest to this statement. But, for the moment, if you had the choice between a sheep or a goat (or a “hybrid”–a mixture of both) which would you choose?
Generally speaking, we consider sheep to be docile creatures; followers by nature. They are known to produce quality milk and wool. But, on the other hand, goats, usually found mixed into sheep herds to balance out the pack, are intelligent, curious, gentle, independent, and social animals. Both sheep and goats are similar, but we find, in the Bible, that goats seem to get the wrong end of the stick.
Working in the Evangelical Charity (Christian Service) arena of parish life, I try to live by a standard found in scripture, Matthew 25:31-46, which serves as a kind of guideline or “job description” as to what it means to be Christ-like to all whom we meet. In Matthew’s Gospel, this scriptural passage refers to none other than “The Parable of the Sheep and Goats.” 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 25:33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. We hear these passages every third year (Cycle A, which is current) on the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe–the final Sunday of the Church year at the end of November. The Gospel also fits well with the final judgment theme of readings during the last few weekends of November. It is well-known, and most commonly interpreted, as an encouragement for followers of Jesus to care for the poor and tend to the needs of others: 25:35 ‘For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… 25:36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison, and you visited me…‘ To be the blessed sheep, we must treat everyone we meet as if we were serving Christ Himself. This is why, here at St. Therese, many opportunities are offered during the year to assist in others’ needs through various collections and programs.
Unlike the sheep, however, the goats represent those who act in an unkind or selfish way: 25:41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’
As Christians, we are called to serve and share what we have with those in need. But, as humans, we fall short of perfection and, at times, are not receptive to the needs of others, for some reason or another. That is why I’ve found the term “hybrid” (which not only refers to vehicles) useful as another possible choice to describe how we might live our lives. There are times when we may overlook the needs of others, whether it be due to our own issues or simply because we don’t feel like getting involved. And at other times, we find ourselves attentive to others’ needs. However, it’s important to remember that we can choose to be the “compassionate sheep,” the “indifferent goat,” or a combination. It’s up to us to decide which path to follow.
So, what are you?
If you have the chance, check out the following site; it is entertaining, but can add some insight, as well. It walks you through determining and answering the question, “What’s your spirit animal”? https://www.riddle.com/embed/showcase/210051