Daily Reflections - April 21,2013

THE VOICE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

 

One of the oldest Christian portrayals of Jesus is the image of the Good Shepherd — an image we all like. But very few of us here have ever seen a shepherd or even a flock of sheep. We get our image from pious pictures showing Jesus in pure white garments, cradling a snow-white, cute lamb in His arms or carrying it on His shoulders. But the reality of sheep and shepherds in Palestine during the time of Jesus was quite different. Sheep are dirty, foul-smelling animals and, as some say, the dumbest among all the four-legged animals. And yet, Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.”

Here, we may reflect on our reaction to the voice of Christ. We live in a world where, day after day, we hear many voices. Other sects continue to preach against images, Mama Mary, the Pope and so on, causing many Catholics to be confused.

I wonder why so many listen to those voices and ignore the voice of the Good Shepherd who speaks through the Bible and through the teaching authority of the Church. Unfortunately, even inside the Catholic Church there are voices that do not come from the Good Shepherd. For example, there are certain private messages allegedly received by self-proclaimed visionaries.

The word of Jesus about the shepherd whose voice the sheep know appeals to us to do everything possible to know the Word of God and the teachings of the Church — so well that we do not become frightened or confused by other voices. Let us never be put to shame by dumb sheep! The words of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, should fill us with joy and peace.

We all like Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” It’s a beautiful prayer of total trust in the Lord, but do we live each day as if we really, fully trust the voice of the Lord and live as redeemed children of God? Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Why is it that you often listen to other voices rather than that of the Good Shepherd?

 

Lord, You are my Shepherd and I hear Your voice every time I read or listen to the Gospels.  And yet, how often do I ignore Your voice! Guide me, Lord, that I may follow only Your voice!