Friday. [Acts 15:5–34; John 10:17–28]

   Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep says the Lord to the unbelieving Jews. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:26–7). Unbelievers are not of Christ’s fold. At that time, the unbelievers were those who had not yet entered into the fold; but now the unbelievers are all those who have fallen from the faith or who lag behind the fold of Christ. The Lord is the shepherd: all of His sheep go after Him, following His teaching and fulfilling His holy commandments. Sinners are sheep that are sick and weak, but still plod along together with the fold. But those who have lost the faith are those who have totally fallen behind, and have been abandoned to be eaten by wild beasts. These are the ones who are truly backward. They are not from the fold of Christ and they do not hear His voice; and He does not know them, because they do not let themselves be known as did the woman with the issue of blood. And at the judgment it will be said to them: I know you not, depart (cf. Matt. 25:12).