“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

          I remember the last job I had back in 2012 before serving full-time in ministry. One day, my boss told me that we will market a men’s magazine website.

        I had my apprehensions because it was a website that contained material that went against my belief and conviction as a Christian. But not wanting to market the site meant giving up many things: our family’s main source of income, a six-figure salary, job and financial security, employee benefits, and more. As my doubts got stronger, God’s voice became louder. I felt so much peace when I resigned.

          Looking back after almost four years, my life has never been better. I now live the life that God has called me to. The income that I have lost, God has returned a hundredfold not only financially but in many different ways.

      Following Jesus means listening to His call. It may be difficult sometimes. It may entail giving up some things in your life. But God promises the reward of eternal life — a life lived to the fullest. Joel Saludares (joelsaludares@yahoo.com)

Reflection: Are you ready to follow what God is telling you to do?

Father in heaven, give us the grace to always listen to Your voice and follow what You want us to do.

The early Christians assisted Paul in his proclamation of the Gospel and helped form communities in the places he traveled to. Christians who returned to their homeland because of the persecution in Jerusalem had been a good foundation on which Paul built the Church. When we form Christian communities, we must build wisely. The leaders of communities must undergo formation and become spiritually mature to be able to care for their flock.

19 Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. 20 There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 21 The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. 23 When he  arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, 24 for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. 25 Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and  taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

R: All you nations, praise the Lord.

1 His foundation upon the holy mountains 2 the Lord loves: The gates of Zion, more than any dwelling of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are said of you, O city of God! (R) 4 I tell of Egypt and Babylon among those who know the Lord; Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia: “This man was born there.” 5 And of Zion they shall say: “One and all were born in her; and he who has established her is the Most High Lord.” (R) 6 They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled: “This man was born there.” 7 And all shall sing, in their festive dance: “My home is within you.” (R)

Jesus appealed to the people’s common sense. He reminded them that those who believe knew His voice and recognized Him as Savior and Lord. Their doubt hindered the growth of their faith. The Jews knew that their faith lacked something. They saw the solution in the ministry of Jesus. But the people still had to recognize and accept Jesus was the Messiah.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

22 The feast of the Dedication was then taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. 23 And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

think: Do you “hear” the voice of the Good Shepherd? What is He telling you today?

Read the Bible in one year Deuteronomy 23-26

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

thank You, Lord, for: ______________________________________________________

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE

There’s a comic strip that portrays a cool, hipster lamb relaxing on a reclining chair, complete with shades and headphones, with radio and TV on, reading a magazine. In the corner is a shepherd holding his staff, calling out to his wayward sheep. In the meantime, the oblivious lamb is thinking out loud, “wonder why I don’t hear from the shepherd anymore.”

       Verse 27 of our Gospel today goes, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Indeed, how can we ever hear and listen to Jesus’ voice, if we are distracted and unmindful? What more if we are submerged in the so-called egoist’s trinity: I, me, and myself?

       Actually, when you think of it, it’s not totally bad. At least that comic strip lamb was wondering why. Maybe he felt the absence of the shepherd from his life. Maybe he had an uneasy “itch,” indicating the need for something deeper or greater than the pleasures he was having. Whichever it is, the simple truth is that we need always to listen to the Lord’s voice.

       Truly there are so many other “voices” that call our attention, drowning out the Shepherd’s voice, distracting us. If we don’t do something to muffle those noisy voices, or if we don’t learn to maintain an interior silence, then it’s like we’re asking for trouble.

       But for all the problems we create, Jesus is most prepared and willing to defend and protect us. Referring to us, He declares, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of My hand.”

       And so even if we dare defy Him — what with our reclining chair, shades, headphones, radio, television, magazine (toss in the Internet as well!) — our Shepherd’s voice just won’t allow itself to be drowned. Thanks be to God! Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

What might be the many concerns and matters that may drown the Shepherd’s voice in you?

Do not let me be drowned and distracted by useless noises, Lord Jesus. Instead, let Your Holy Spirit teach me the importance of silence, so that I may truly listen to Your voice. Amen.