The Voice of the Shepherd
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we are drawn once again to the tender and powerful image of Christ as the Good Shepherd. Jesus says:
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”
These words of Jesus offer us immense comfort and security. They assure us of His intimate knowledge of each of us, His unwavering protection, and the promise of eternal life in the Father’s care.
Our pastor reminds us that the shepherd's image is deeply rooted in Scripture. From Yahweh leading the Israelites through the wilderness to the Psalmist proclaiming, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” this imagery reflects God's steadfast love and guidance. In Ezekiel, we find a beautiful prophecy of a God who seeks out His scattered sheep and brings them home, a foreshadowing of Christ's mission.
Jesus fulfills this promise by identifying Himself as the Good Shepherd. His voice is not just any voice—it is the voice of truth, love, and mercy. Like sheep that know their shepherd’s call, we are invited to recognize His voice among the world's noise. This relationship is not transactional but deeply personal. He knows us, not just our names but our wounds, joys, fears, and potential.
Our pastor shared a poignant reminder: we must be still to hear the Shepherd’s voice. In a world that overwhelms us with noise, distractions, and competing voices, tuning our hearts to Jesus means creating space in prayer, silence, and the Sacraments to encounter Him. It means allowing His Word to shape us and His Spirit to lead us.
But this Gospel is not only about being guided—it is about being transformed. We, too, are called to shepherd others. The love and care we receive from Christ must overflow in how we lead and love those around us. Whether we’re parents, mentors, ministry leaders, or quiet supporters in the background, we are invited to live with the same gentleness, courage, and sacrificial love as our Shepherd.
As we receive the Eucharist today, let us ask for the grace to hear and respond to the voice of Jesus with clarity and courage. May our lives echo the heart of the Shepherd—seeking the lost, protecting the weak, and laying down our comforts for the sake of love.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
—John 10:11
Shepherd us, O Lord. Help us to hear Your voice clearly and follow You faithfully.