Quick Summary:

One Navaho sheepherder, when shown a photo of the Empire State building, asked: How many sheep does it hold? In other words, CAN I FIND A PLACE WITHIN MY WORLD FOR THIS BUILDING? IS THERE A WAY TO FIT IT INTO MY LIFE CONTEXT, MY REALITY?

In today's gospel text from John, context (the Feast of the Dedication) is critical for understanding Judean reactions to Jesus' teaching. During our own time, the rise of anti-Semitism compels us to read the clashes between Jesus and Jewish leaders carefully. In the end, the words of promise and hope, MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE AND FOLLOW ME AND NO ONE WILL SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND, remain good news.