Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Frater Ross Heruela SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Monday 4th Week of Easter
Introduction
At home I have three domesticated dogs: a poodle named Majesty, a rottweiler named Huge, and a Japanese Spitz named Snowhite. Each of them comes to me individually when I call their names. Through the course of raising them, I discovered that they would not come unless called by name. If I did not, they simply stared coldly and walked away. Aside from loving to be called by their names, they also love following my tracks.
The Gospel Connection
This experience helps me understand the relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep portrayed in today’s Gospel. The Shepherd calls His sheep by name and leads them out to find pasture. After grazing, the sheep return to the Shepherd. In the same way, my dogs, after being freed for exercise, always come back to me. This is the natural relationship between dogs and their master, sheep with their Shepherd, and, in a deeper sense, Jesus with us, His flock.
Our Struggle to Listen
However, our relationship with Jesus is not always what it should be. As He calls our name, we sometimes do not listen. As He leads us to His pasture, we often look for other pastures we think are greener. Many times and in so many ways He speaks to us, yet we insist on taking the lead. Still, Jesus does His best to guide us back to His fold.
A Call to Return
The question is: when will we go back to Him? Shall we wait for a major tragic event in our lives before we return? Or will we choose to listen now, to follow His voice, and to remain in His care?
Conclusion
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls each of us by name. He longs to lead us to true pasture, to abundant life, and to peace. Let us not delay our response.
“Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, help me to hear Your voice, follow Your lead, and remain in Your fold.”
