Hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd

Today, on this Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church draws our hearts and minds to one of the most comforting images in Scripture—Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In a world of noise, confusion, and insecurity, Jesus offers us the calm, steady voice of a shepherd who knows us, calls us by name, and leads us to eternal life.

In the Gospel from John 10, Jesus says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” This simple but profound statement reveals two core truths:

1. Jesus Knows Us Personally: Not just as part of a crowd or congregation—but intimately. He knows our struggles, our fears, our joys, our names. In a society that often leaves people feeling unknown and unseen, Jesus stands as the Shepherd who never forgets His sheep.
2. We Are Called to Listen and Follow: To hear His voice requires quieting the noise of the world—the distractions of wealth, power, social media, and pride. Do we make time to listen to Jesus in prayer, in Scripture, in the silence of our hearts? Do we follow His path of humility, mercy, and service?

In this Easter season, we celebrate not only the resurrection of Christ but also the resurrection of our identity—as beloved sheep of the Good Shepherd. And on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, we are invited to pray for more shepherds in the Church—priests, deacons, religious men and women—who will guide God’s people faithfully.

Let us also be reminded: every one of us, in baptism, shares in the shepherding mission of Christ. Parents guiding their children, teachers forming young minds, catechists leading the faithful, and even simple acts of charity—each is a way we reflect the Good Shepherd to others.