4th Sunday of Easter: The Good Shepherd

05-01-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Jn 10:27 30
We often call the fourth Sunday of Easter the Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus says in the Gospel: My sheep hears my voice; I know them, and they follow me. At times, we wish that the Lord would give us a complete printout of how to follow Him. But then, a simple reflection of this scripture verse tells us that we are the sheep of the Lord, the follower of Jesus Christ, and He says His sheep hears His voice. Yet we do not hear His voice of instruction for us.


Sheep hearing and recognizing the voice of their shepherd is not something automatic. From their birth, the newborn sheep grow in listening and knowledge of the voice of their shepherd. And from the many voices they hear, they listen and recognize; distinctly the voice of the shepherd and follow where it is leading them. In the same way, the sheep of the Lord should develop a hearing and a listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd in prayer: in Scriptures, Examen Prayer, in the Sacraments, and Eucharistic Adoration. The more time we spend in prayer, the more distinct we hear the His voice.

They say that the sheep are one of the most intelligent of God’s creation. But still, without their shepherd, they are exposed to all kinds of danger. The shepherd performs multiple tasks for the sheep: protect, lead to good pasture, and direct the sheep to safety in the sheepfold at night. The sheep know little of these; thus, it is imperative to follow the voice of their shepherd. Separation from the flock increases the danger of the sheep being vulnerable.

Man is a lot smarter than sheep, but our intelligence can be our downfall; pride can tell us that we can manage on our own; believing that we don’t need a shepherd to lead, guard, and protect us, except when we find ourselves trapped or against the wall. Then we want God’s help in an instant. Man wants the best of both ways. We want to be in control. But Lord, please stay around just in case we need a co-pilot to take over when things get bad or going to crush.

Why do we find it difficult to follow the voice of Jesus? Many times, it is because of our lack of faith. But it all starts with hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd. As I said before, the Lord is not whispering any instruction into our ears. We need to develop the art of listening more deeply with faith; and with the ears of the heart. Practicing daily reflection and meditation comes in handy in this situation. Because after the hearing, is listening, and then comes the following. We make a conscious decision to follow the voice that we hear. Holding on to the belief that whatever happens, no one can ever snatch us from the care of our Good Shepherd. No one can snatch us from the care of God. No one can separate us from the love of the Father, which comes to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rm. 8:39)

Good Shepherd Sunday reminds us of Jesus’ words: My sheep hear my voice; I know them, they follow me. Let us learn from the sheep or lamb; in being obedient and docile. Today, let us ask ourselves: Are we sheep or lambs, obedient and meek, or are we wolves uncaring, disobedient, and selfish?

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