The voice that calls us home

May 09, 2025

4th Sunday of Easter (C)
Readings: Acts of the Apostle 13:14, 43-52;
Revelation 7:9, 14-17;
Gospel: John 10:27-30

There is a video on YouTube with more than one million views entitled Do sheep only obey their Master’s voice? The video shows an experiment about a group of strangers calling out to a herd of sheep, but they don’t take notice but when the shepherd started calling out his sheep, they recognise his voice and immediately comes toward him. Such a meaningful video that truly portrays our Gospel today about the Good Shepherd!

The Gospel for the fourth Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, invites us to reflect on Christ’s love and care for us, his sheep. The image of the Good Shepherd which carries a sheep on his shoulder is central to understanding our relationship with Jesus and the church. In the Gospel reading from John 10:27-30, Jesus declares, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”

This passage highlights the intimate connection between Christ and us, his followers. It's not just about intellectual knowledge but the deep, personal relationship of love and trust. It is intimacy that Jesus wants from us. Jesus knows each of us individually, calling us by name and leading us to eternal life. He gives us eternal life and no one can snatch us out of his hand or the father’s hand emphasising the security and love found in Christ if only we allow Him. This further begs the question, What or Who is my security in life? Do I allow God to be my security? Many of us put our security on worldly things, worldly desires and worldly figures. That is why we never feel secure. I guess that is why the song Anxiety by Doechii is so popular because so many of us put our security on everything else except our Creator — The Good Shepherd.

Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. This is not the act of a hired hand who flees at the first sign of danger, but of a shepherd who loves his sheep so much that he is willing to sacrifice everything for them. This sacrifice reveals the infinite mercy of God.

How can we make this image of the Good Shepherd and his flock practical in our daily lives? Here are some reflections:

I. Recognising his voice: How do we know it’s Jesus speaking and not just our own thoughts? It’s like a couple who’ve been together for decades, they know each other so well, they barely need words. This familiarity comes from time spent together. Likewise, to recognise Jesus’ voice, we need to spend time with Him in prayer, silence, and scripture. Stillness helps us hear His gentle whisper, while meditative reading of the Gospel deepens our understanding. True intimacy with God is mutual — it takes two to tango. In our journey to recognise Christ's voice, it is essential to cultivate stillness amidst the chaos that often engulfs our daily lives. Carving out moments of silence allows us to attune our hearts to the gentle whisper of the Good Shepherd. Just as the sheep in the video discern the distinctive call of their shepherd, we too can learn to perceive the nuances of Christ’s voice through a regular practice of quiet prayer and contemplation. Moreover, engaging with the Scriptures deeply enriches our understanding of His teachings and furthers our ability to recognise His voice. Through meditative reading and reflection, the words of the Gospel come alive, enabling us to internalise His guidance and promises.

2. Following Him daily: Following Jesus means evaluating our daily choices: Would this please Him? Simple acts of kindness, service, and forgiveness reflect His path. When we slip, return to Him with honesty and a desire to grow. This daily attentiveness keeps us close to the Shepherd.

3. Trusting His protection: What are you afraid of? Bring your worries to God. Let go of fear and choose to trust His love. If fear drives your decisions, ask: Has fear become my god? Pause when overwhelmed, and remember: you are held safely in the hands of the Father and the Son.

In our modern world, it is easy to become distracted and lose sight of the voice of the Good Shepherd amidst the noise of everyday life. However, dedicating time for quiet reflection and prayer can help us reconnect with this divine guidance.

Furthermore, the community of believers plays a crucial role in nurturing our relationship with Christ. Engaging in fellowship with others who share our faith can provide support, encouragement, and accountability as we strive to follow the Shepherd’s voice. Together, we can grow in understanding and faith, helping each other to recognise and respond to Jesus’ call.

Embracing the image of the Good Shepherd also calls us to be shepherds to others. By showing compassion, kindness, and love to those around us, we reflect the love of Christ and become instruments of His grace. Whether through small acts of kindness or significant gestures of support, our actions can profoundly impact the lives of those we encounter.

Lastly, cultivating gratitude for the blessings we receive from the Good Shepherd can further strengthen our bond with Him. Acknowledging His providence and expressing thankfulness allows us to see the abundance of His love and care in our lives, enabling us to trust more deeply in His protection and guidance.

As we continue our journey with the Good Shepherd, let us strive to listen for His voice, follow His example, and trust in His unwavering love and protection.

Fr Martinian is the parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family, Ulu Tiram and Director of Caritas MJD