Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Atilano Corcuera SVD – Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan
Tuesday 4th Week of Easter
Image source : Wikimedia Commons
We used to have a Santol tree right in front of our house. This tree was special for three reasons: it produced fruit abundantly, it was short enough for easy climbing, and it served as the home of our 16 chickens at night.
After supper, my mother would stand at the entrance with her flashlight and, like a kindergarten teacher, begin the “roll call” of the chickens. Sometimes the attendance was incomplete. She would verify who was missing — perhaps si Mahabang Palong, si Pulang Pakpak, or si Pilay. Then, taking one of us along, she would go around the neighborhood calling them with her kok-ko-ro-ko-kok. Interestingly, our lost chickens, hearing her voice, would hasten to come down from other trees and follow her home. They knew her voice. She knew them.
There were reasons why my mother loved her chickens: they gave her eggs, and eventually, on special occasions, they became fried chicken. In John’s Gospel, we see a similar picture. Jesus says: “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life” (John 10:27–28).
The early Christians knew and believed this word of Jesus. That is why Barnabas urged the believers in Antioch “to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion” (Acts 11:23).
What about us? Whom do we follow in our lives? Who is our master? Whose voice do we listen to? There are many voices competing for our attention — voices of ambition, greed, and selfishness. But only one voice leads to eternal life.
Remember, there are two alternatives: the “frying pan” or eternal life. Let us choose wisely. Let us listen to the Shepherd’s voice, follow Him faithfully, and remain in His care.
“Lord Jesus, Shepherd of my soul, help me to hear Your voice clearly and follow You always.”
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