Of Sheep and Goats

In Matthew 25, Jesus uses the picture of a shepherd, separating sheep and goats, as a metaphor for his actions at his return. Sheep and goats have many things in common, size, diet, etc. In this parable, they also share a sense of surprise. Neither of them recognized that ministering to the downtrodden around them was, in fact, ministering to Jesus himself. 

Patheos.com

Our attitude toward those around us says a lot about our relationship with Jesus. The sheep were following their shepherd (that's what sheep do) while the goats were less affected by the shepherd's leading, and, in their reply, seem to say they would have benefited from a bit more direction (typical of goats).

This Sunday we will spend some time reflecting on this passages in light of our own interaction with the world around us.