Shepherds are supposed to protect their flocks and insure for their well-being. The image of the shepherd was often used in the Old Testament for religious leaders and kings, but often in a negative sense. Ezekiel lamented how much Israel's shepherds had let her down, for they were wicked and corrupt. In the prophecy, God promised to take on the job Himself - God would be the shepherd of the nation and its people. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. He is busy overcoming all those powers that opposed God - even death - so that he can restore the entire world and its people to God the Father. The job is not yet finished, and we are called to take part in this work.

In Matthew's final judgment scene, those welcomed into the kingdom were not aware of having done anything special, and the actions for which they were praised were not religious in nature. They saw human suffering and need, and responded with practical compassion. This is the core of true religion, and anyone can practise it. Those who were sent away were rejected not for what they had done, but for what they had not done. They did not respond to human suffering - they were concerned only with themselves. The opposite of love is not hate but indifference. Each day, let us practise God's practical religion - kindness and compassion - we cannot go wrong.