Do I hear the Voice of my Shepherd?

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : Fourth Week - Sunday*

*Do I hear the Voice of my Shepherd?*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 10:27-30*

*FIRST READING - Acts 13:14, 42-52*

*Second Reading : Rev 7:9, 14b,-17*

*1) My sheep hear my voice*

In today's Gospel Jesus tells about His Sheep 

The faithful sheep is the one, which listens to the voice of the Master 

Since the Sheep knows the voice of the Master, they are familiar with the Voice of the Master and they listen to the Same 

*2) Need of hearing the Voice of the Master*

Sheep need to hear the voice for the Guidance

Sheep need to hear the voice to know the right thing 

Sheep need to hear the voice to remain careful about the danger 

Sheep need to hear the voice, remain in touch with the Master 

Sheep need to hear the voice to know the better pasture

Sheep need to hear the voice, in order to come out from ignorance, doubt, and wrong things 

*3) Various ways through which we can hear the Voice of the Shepherd - Today*

Today there are various ways through which we can hear the voice of the Shepherd. Some of them are the following

*Sacred Scripture* one of the powerful means though which the Shepherd speaks us today. 

*Eucharist* Eucharist is nothing but the sacrament, where we hear the voice of the Master, continuously

*Prayer* Prayer is a direct way through which the Shepherd speaks to us 

*Conscience* This is the most personal way through which we can hear the voice of the Master 

*My Neighbor* The shepherds voice also comes through the My neighbor. 

*Through various events* Every event that happens in our life, is an occasion for us to listen to the voice of the Master 

*Teachers & Leaders* All our teachers and leaders are in the place of Shepherd. So the shephards voice is also heard through them 

*Family* Through all thr members and through every event that happens in the family is a moment to hear the voice of the Master 

*4) Do I hear the voice of My Master?*

This is very important question. 

The shepherd, speaks in different ways, through different people and through different situations. But the question is, whether I am able to hear the voice or not? 

Ultimately I have to make a choice to listen to the voice of the Master. 

So what is my choice? 

*5) Various hurdles*

At times there are many hurdles, which prevent us from hearing the voice of the Shepherd. Some of them are following

Arrogance

Pride

Revenge

Selfishness

Anger 

Jealousy

Rudeness

Self righteousness

Attachment to power, authority, wealth, money and weirdly pleasure

Greed for worldly things 

*6) Self Evaluation*

How do I know wehter I hear the voice of the shepherd or not? 

Look at your own life. If there is any little growth in spiritual life, then it is sure that one hears the voice of the shepherd

If there a zeal for good things, desire to live a sincerere life, ready to accept ones weakness and change life, one hears the voice of the Master 

If one does not care for anything, lives as he wishes, becomes the slave of worldly things, it is very clear that he/she does not listen to the voice of the Master. 

What about me? Do I hear the voice or Not??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*