My sheep hear my voice

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Fourth Week :  Sunday*

*Gospel : Jn 10:27-30*

*First Reading : Acts 13:14, 42-52*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5*

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

*“My sheep hear my voice*

*1) The Relationship Between Shepherd and Sheep*

This imagery reflects an intimate and trusting relationship. 

In the ancient Near East, shepherds often had such a close bond with their flocks that the sheep would recognize the shepherd’s voice and follow only him.

Jesus is drawing on this to express how His followers know Him personally and respond to Him out of love and familiarity, not fear or obligation.

Are we attuned to the voice of Christ in our daily lives?

Do we know Him well enough to distinguish His voice from the many distractions around us?

*2) Hearing as Obedience*

In the Bible, hearing is often synonymous with obeying.

When Jesus says His sheep hear His voice, He means more than passive listening

He refers to a heart that receives and acts upon His Word.

James 1:22: *“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”*

Do we respond with faith and action when Christ speaks through His Word, the Church, or our conscience?

*3) Divine Knowledge and Intimacy*

Jesus says, *“I know them.”*

This knowing is not mere intellectual awareness but a deep, relational knowledge.

It echoes the covenantal relationship God has always desired with His people.

2 Timothy 2:19: *“The Lord knows those who are His.”*

This speaks of security—Jesus knows each of His sheep by name, including their needs, struggles, and unique path.

*4) Following Christ as a Daily Journey*

Hearing His voice leads to following—a continual act of discipleship. 

This isn't a one-time response but a lifetime of walking in step with the Shepherd.

Luke 9:23: *“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”*

Are we willing to follow even when the path is difficult, trusting that the Shepherd leads to life?

*5) Discernment in a Noisy World*

Jesus also says in John 10:5 that His sheep *“will not follow a stranger, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”* 

The world offers many voices—of fear, pleasure, pride, and false teaching—but only one voice leads to eternal life.

We must cultivate discernment through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to remain faithful.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*