My Sheep Hear My Voice
Today’s Readings: Acts 13:14, 43–52; Psalm 100:1–2, 3, 5; Revelation 7:9, 14b–17; John 10:27–30. The few sentences that make up the Gospel on Good Shepherd Sunday portray intimacy. First, we hear of the closeness that Jesus has to his followers. The sheep, Jesus says, “hear my voice” and “follow me.” Jesus knows the sheep, and no one can take them from him. Then we learn of the even more intimate relationship that Jesus has with the Father. “The Father and I are one,” he says. The relationship of the shepherd to the sheep corresponds to that of the Father and the Son.
The words of this parable reflect John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” The Shepherd will provide eternal life to those who follow and believe.
In reflecting on this Gospel, you may want to imagine the sound of the Good Shepherd’s voice. Do you imagine that it is soft, loud, firm, or gentle? To which type of voice would you listen? How far do you think his voice reaches? Consider spending time in quiet this week listening for the Shepherd’s voice in your life. It may take practice of sitting in the quiet before you and your family truly enjoy the stillness. What can you do for your family this week to create a culture of silence?
© 2019 Liturgy Training Publications. 800-933-1800. Written by Mary Heinrich. Scripture texts are from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago, on August 28, 2018.