In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us one of the most tender and powerful images: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This is not just poetry—it is identity. We are the sheep. Christ is the Good Shepherd.
But this raises a serious question: What does it mean to truly be His sheep?
Hearing Jesus
First, to be His sheep, we must learn to hear His voice. In a world filled with noise—opinions, distractions, anxieties—it becomes difficult to recognize the voice of Christ. His voice is not loud or forceful; it is gentle, persistent, and rooted in truth. We hear Him in Scripture, in prayer, in the teachings of the Church, and in the quiet movements of our conscience. But hearing requires silence. If we are constantly busy, constantly distracted, we may miss Him entirely.
Knowing Jesus
Second, to hear Him, we must know Him. Jesus says, “I know them.” But do we know Him? Christianity is not just about practices or rituals—it is about a relationship with a Person, Jesus Christ . The more time we spend with Him in prayer, the more familiar His voice becomes. Like a sheep that recognizes the shepherd’s call, we begin to discern what is truly from God and what is not.
Following Jesus
Third, to know Him leads us to follow Him. This is where it becomes challenging. Following the Good Shepherd is not always comfortable. It requires trust, surrender, and often sacrifice. As we reflect, nothing valuable comes without a price—even discipleship demands something of us. To follow Christ means letting go of what holds us back—our attachments, our ego, our fears.
Truly Belonging to Him
The saints we remember today lived this reality. They heard His voice, knew Him deeply, and followed Him—even to the point of sacrifice.
Finally, Jesus gives us a promise: “No one can take them out of my hand.” What a profound assurance! When we truly belong to Him—when we hear, know, and follow Him—we are secure in His love.
So today, let us ask ourselves:
- Am I creating space to hear His voice?
- Am I growing in a personal relationship with Him?
- Am I truly following Him, even when it costs me something?
If we do this, we will not be lost sheep. We will be His sheep—known, loved, and led safely into eternal life.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Pinto’s inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center today. You can watch the entire Mass on the Family Rosary Video streams channel on YouTube.
- Join the Rosary (11:30 am ET) and Mass (Noon ET) livestreams on the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page, Monday – Friday. Invite your friends and family to pray with you as well.
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