Year C. Readings: Acts 13:14, 43b-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 13-17; John 10:27-30
The Shepherd Who Knows Our Name
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. Each year, the Gospel reflects on Jesus as our Shepherd—the One who calls us by name, guides us, and assures us of eternal life. This imagery is not just poetic; it is profoundly personal. It reveals essential truths about how God perceives us and how we should respond.
In the Gospel (John 10:27-30), Jesus states, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This single line encapsulates the essence of Christian life: listening to Jesus’ voice, being recognised by Him, and following Him. He doesn’t address crowds as faceless strangers; rather, He speaks to each person intimately, warmly, and by name. The Good Shepherd is not afar; He walks among His sheep and leads with a voice that beckons us home.
Psalm 100 resonates with this closeness: “Know that He, the Lord, is God. He created us, we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His flock.” It brings such comfort to realise that we belong to God, not through obligation, but through love. We are never alone. Despite feeling scattered, broken, or weary, we are embraced in His heart.
In our second reading from the book of Revelation, we witness a vision of the outcome of following the Shepherd: a vast multitude from every nation stands before the throne, dressed in white and carrying palm branches. These individuals did not have simple lives; they emerged from trials, suffering, and endurance. However, they are now consoled by the Lamb, who is also their Shepherd. “The Lamb will shepherd them… and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
In the second reading, we observe Paul and Barnabas courageously sharing the Gospel. When faced with rejection, they do not succumb to bitterness. Rather, they reached out to others, particularly the Gentiles, who delight in hearing the Shepherd’s voice. Their example teaches us to embody the Gospel in the face of rejection or hardship: with joy, bravery, and confidence that the Lord continues to guide us.
So, how do we apply these readings?
To begin with, we need to practice listening. In a chaotic world, we should set aside time to hear Jesus’ voice—through prayer, Scripture, silence, and the sacraments.
Secondly, we must act. Listening alone is insufficient unless it fosters trust, obedience, and a lifestyle characterised by mercy, compassion, and courage.
Third, we need to bear witness. Similar to Paul and Barnabas, our mission is to convey the Good News—not merely through words, but through lives that embody the peace and joy of being connected to Christ.
Dear friends, the Shepherd is familiar with you. He calls out to you and assures that no one can take you from His grasp. Let us listen, follow, and live as a community aware of our profound love and everlasting security in Him. Amen.
Have a blessed Sunday and a fabulous week. The Lord is always with you.
