Am I able to recognize His voice?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Fourth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:1-10*

*First Reading : Acts 11:1-18*

*Am I able to recognize His voice?*

*1) Recognizing the voice*

This something special to us. If I am able to recognize some one's voice means,

I know  that person 

I am familiar with the person 

I have a special relationship with the person 

I am able to understand the feelings, emotions and the situation of the person 

I know the person very closely 

I am ready to listen to the other 

*2) Recognizing the voice of Jesus*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the recognising the voice of the shepherd by the Sheep

A Good Shepherd is the one who is able to take care of the sheep, and sheep is also able to recognize the shepherds voice 

Once they are able to recognize the voice of the shepherd, sheep always follow  the master without fail 

*3) Jesus is our Shepherd*

In today's Gospel Jesus also says that *I am the Good Shepherd*

Since Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as the faithful followers of Jesus, we are supposed to follow the Good  Shepherd

In order to follow the Good Shepherd, we need to recognize His divine voice and follow him very closely 

*4) Various ways of recognising the voice of the Shepherd*

*Holy Scripture* Jesus always speaks in the Holy Scripture. One can easily hear his voice and recognize it 

*Conscience* Human conscience is the seat of God. God speaks to us through our conscience. Those who are able to listen to their own conscience, can recognize the voice of the Shepherd

*Celebration of the Sacraments* Jesus always speaks to us through the sacraments. Celebration of the sacrament is an opportunity to listen to the voice of the Lord, and to become familiar with  His voice 

*Prayer* prayer is one of the familiar and very powerful and effective methods of listening the voice of the Lord, which helps us to recognize His voice 

*5) My Life and the voice of the Lord*

What importance do I give to the voice of the Lord in my life?

Do I hear the voice of the Lord, during the important moments of my life?

Do I recognise the voice of the Lord, in the poor, marginalized, sick and suffering? 

Do I feel the need of recognising the voice of the Lord? 

How familiar is the voice of the Lord to me?

*6)

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*