April 21, 2024
This Sunday, is the feast of the Good Shepherd. In the Bible it says ’the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep”. John 10:11. Jesus loves us, will we lay our lives for him too? At night the sheep were gathered in a common enclosure. During the day the sheep recognized the shepherd’s voice and would follow him. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” – John 10:27
Jesus came to gather the lost sheep in the world and take them home to the sheepfold.
Jesus knows each one of us by name, and we respond to his voice. We do not follow the voice of strangers who may lead us to harm. Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. He is the leader that we can trust. His love is so deep that He can guide us throughout our everyday life.
Let us take the time to discern during this World Day of Prayer for Vocations. For religious and priests that they may engage their lives with Christ more fully as they proclaim the message of Jesus. May we all carry the mission of evangelization. Let us also pray for more vocations.
Let us ask Jesus to send laborers into the harvest. May men and women from everywhere hear God’s call, and find the grace and courage to answer the call.
Jesus calls a number of people to follow him and make the apprentice journey with him. Each calling is different and unique as He calls us to be a disciple. A good example is when Jesus called his apostles who were fishermen to follow him, to be fishers of different fishing of mind and soul. We all have different gifts and personal calls. What will you say if Jesus called you to follow him?
What does it mean to respond to God’s call to ‘Follow him’?
Jesus said ‘Come with me and see for yourself’. John 1:46
We must all make discernments in life. It is a task of a lifetime. As you discern in silence, God will open new ways for you to follow. Open your heart, listen, and trust in God.
“Be still, and know that I am God!” – Psalm 46:10
Try to be attentive to the present moment.
If you hear the call of God in your heart, and if his love touches your heart, open the door and let him in, he wants a personal relationship with you.
PSALM 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil;
for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the lord for years to come.