Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

The Voice of the Shepherd

~ Deacon Joseph Boyle

Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church + Media, Pa.

In John’s Cycle "C" year of the Good Shepherd, we see the blessings of listening to and following Christ's voice. In Years A and B, we learn about the Good Shepherd model and the care the Shepherd provides for his flock. The opening lines of this week's Gospel emphasize the importance of active listening among the sheep, a crucial part of our relationship with the Shepherd.

In the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis, knowing someone meant having a deep, intimate relationship and a genuine understanding of one another. The Good Shepherd knows his sheep, and they recognize his voice. The true evidence of this recognition is their willingness to follow him; those who follow will never be lost. The Good Shepherd's protective love shields his flock, ensuring their safety and care. This loving relationship, which unites the sheep and the Shepherd, provides safety from perishing, as "no one can take them out of my hand."

This unity reflects the relationship between the Father and the Son, who is "greater than all" and has "given them to me." Just as the Father knows and loves the Son, the Son knows and loves his sheep. The protective love that the Father has for the Son mirrors the love the Son has for his sheep.

Active listening to Christ’s voice brings about no losses, then or now. In this active listening, the Shepherd assures us that we will never perish and enjoy eternal life, a comforting promise that fills us with hope.

Listen and Follow



~ Dennis Mueller

Saint Albert the Great Church + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

Jesus knows His sheep! To be known is something we all desire, because only by being known can we hope to be loved for who we truly are.  I find great comfort in the truth that I am known by God.  He sees past my sin, because that’s not what defines me.  His love defines me. My identity rests in Him.  I am the sum of His love. 

The Shepherd leads and protects and the sheep listen to his voice and follow.  It’s a simple equation.  So, why wouldn’t we want to listen to Him, the one who has the words of eternal life?  That’s a good question to ask ourselves, because there are times when we choose not to listen to the voice of the Shepherd.  It’s at those times that I find myself lost in the world and miserable because I’ve separated myself from the source of joy, peace, and love itself.

Jesus states explicitly that no one shall snatch His sheep out of His or His Father's hand, and again, I find great comfort in that because the Enemy has no power over me unless I chose to empower him, which is exactly what I do when I chose not to listen to the voice of the Shepherd.  No one can snatch me from God’s hand but I am free to leave the protection of His hand when I choose to elevate my will above His holy will, in a feeble attempt to make myself god in that moment. This is the root of all sin, but God knows me and continues to love me despite my grasping something other than Him.  That’s when the Shepherd steps in.  The Shepherd searches for me when I lose myself, and what does He do when I come to my senses and put myself into a position to be found?  He picks me up in His hands and carries me back to the Father where I am known and loved.