Deacon Tom Writes
“Hearing Voices?”
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C
In his parables, Jesus often used everyday examples from the rural settings. They were examples that didn’t need explaining. For example, people knew that when a shepherd called, his sheep would come. Shepherds grazed their sheep in different fields during the day, but at night they brought them together into one flock to have safety in numbers.
At daybreak, shepherds called out to their own sheep, and, amazingly, each sheep followed the voice of its own shepherd, its protector and guardian.
Most of us today don’t have direct experience with shepherds and sheep, but we still understand the message Jesus communicated when he said, “My sheep hear my voice.”
This is what Jesus expects of his disciples. He wants us, his disciples, to hear and follow his voice like shepherds who call out to their sheep every morning. A true disciple is one who hears the voice of the “Good Shepherd” and follows without question. But as we are well aware, listening is a skillset not all of us have or employ very well. Besides…
Today there are many voices competing for our attention.
There are many voices, idols… yes, even gods for us to follow, little whispers and distractions everywhere—peers, social media, jobs, ambitions. Be rich, famous, beautiful, powerful, successful, noticed, important…
None of those things are bad in and of themselves—many seem like blessings we even pray for. But, left unchecked, they can easily drown out the voice of the Good Shepherd.
How do we choose which voices to follow, and what direction to travel in? If there are many “shepherds” calling us, who do we hear and respond to?
Jesus calls us to eternal life each and every day. As our shepherd, he gives us the right direction. He promises us the safety and security that comes from the Father, a joy and happiness that is “not of this world.”
Jesus calls us, his disciples, to live according to his teachings of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. It’s often difficult which I am sure comes as no surprise to anyone who’s been scarred by life. We saw that in last week’s reading where the Sanhedrin told the Apostles to stop teaching Jesus’ message, and again in today’s reading where Paul and Barnabas got run out of town. But, when we walk in Jesus’ footsteps, we create a genuine relationship with him and each other. In that community, there’s power.
The Good Shepherd’s voice asks us to focus on God and our fellow human beings, sometimes at great sacrifice to ourselves. Other voices ask us to focus our attention on ourselves, on getting as much as we can here and now, no matter the cost. That’s the difference.
There are many paths to choose, many flocks to be a part of, and many shepherd’s voices to follow, but only one will lead us to green pastures. Others paths may be a lot of fun, pleasant, enjoyable…. but, not permanent.
“We are his people, the sheep of his flock.”
This is today’s Responsorial Psalm. It again says we are God’s people, and he tends his flock. We are filled with joy and gladness; we share in his unending kindness and enduring faithfulness. God cannot be outdone in generosity. He loves each of us, his sheep. He cares for our earthly well-being and eternal salvation, if only we hear his voice and follow him.
May the only voice we hear this Easter Season be that of the Good Shepherd, calling us to grow in love, in holiness, and in service to our brothers and sisters in Christ, the Risen One!
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
Recommended Reading: The Shattered Lantern by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser O.M.I is a Roman Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He is a theologian, professor, award-winning author, and serves as president of the Oblate School of Theology.
Recommended Podcast: Another Name for Everything by Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation who teaches primarily on incarnational mysticism, nondual consciousness, and contemplation, with a particular emphasis on how these affect the social justice issues of our time.
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