Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. This always falls on the Fourth Week of Easter. In today's gospel reading Jesus tells us how the Shepherd calls each of his sheep by name. The sheep know his voice and they follow. The sheep also know that the Shepherd will lead them to pasture. How do we hear the Jesus, the Good Shepherd, call each of us by name?
I know for myself that being faithful to taking some quiet time to be still and listen is important. Leaving room in my heart for the Shepherd and not crowding it with other things that would not allow space for Him to enter is crucial to my spiritual well-being. It is through the image of the Good Shepherd in the book, "Hinds Feet in High Places," by Hannah Hurnard that I came to know many years ago that I could have a relationship with Christ. Ever since, when I need to rekindle that relationship, I go back to the image of the Good Shepherd. He truly laid down his life for me.
Jesus also said in the gospel today that he came that we may have life abundantly. In following Christ I can be aware each evening as I pray my Examen of the blessings of each day. Then, at the end of each week when I list the graces I have been given, I realize how blessed I truly am and how abundant are the graces.
Today also marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Pray that more young men and women will hear the voice of the Shepherd and will come and follow.
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