We know that Jesus is the good shepherd. Today, however, John describes Jesus as the Lamb of God. This image alludes to the Passover lamb eaten by the Israelites in the passage from slavery into freedom. It also foreshadows Jesus' sacrifice on the cross that will allow us to pass from death to life.

The first reading points out another identity - our identity. We are not slaves or property of an unknown master. We are children of God. As children of God, we are offered a future that is blessed beyond description.

How do we embrace our identity as God's children? We enter into it by avoiding what is sinful and by loving one another in word and action. This is not easy. The reading reminds us that if we live out our identity as children of God, at times, other people may not understand us. There will be tensions and even conflicts.

As we walk this difficult path, however, we can be confident that we are not alone. The same Lamb of God that John recognized is also present with us at each Mass. God desires that we be strengthened and nourished by this Lamb. The Lamb wants us with him and to abide with God eternally. After all, that is where the children of God belong.