Listening for the voice of the shepherd

A Reflection for the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Find today’s readings here. 

I had to smile when I read today’s Gospel describing Jesus as our shepherd and the people of God as his sheep, as today is the last day of America’s pilgrimage in Ireland, where, I’m quite certain, there were sheep sightings. My experience on pilgrimage to numerous destinations, including Ireland, has always given me the grace to reflect, recenter and renew my trust in God by listening to him and feeling his unending and magnificent love as our shepherd. 

Similar to the people in the crowd in the Gospel when they say, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly,” it is not uncommon for me to desire clear (and often quick!) answers to my prayers. This is compounded by today’s fast-paced life and the instant gratification at our fingertips thanks to technology and social media. However, when I do slow the pace, whether on pilgrimage or not, I realize that the deep desire for clarity has caused me to overlook the ways in which God has already been revealing himself in magnificent ways. It can be as simple as noticing the beautiful, multicolored sunrise over the blooming trees on a day when I have a laundry list of personal and professional obligations.

The other part of the passage that resonated with me is when Jesus says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” It made me question if I am always counted as one of his sheep, simply because I don’t always look to him to be my shepherd. I can assure you that I don’t always listen to him, especially when I try to do things based on my own plan rather than his. However, when I place my unending trust in God and am more attentive with my ears, mind and heart, I’m comforted knowing that he is always protecting and nurturing me like a shepherd tends to his flock.

Today’s readings really felt like a personal invitation to listen more attentively, trust more deeply, seek God in all things and be comforted knowing that he is always beside me through the peaks and valleys of life. I invite you to take time to listen for God’s unswerving love today, and every day, on our earthly pilgrimage to eternal paradise.