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Today's Gospel: John 10:11-18

“But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.  My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

For many years I tried to stay connected to my Catholic faith and to God.  I would go on retreat and come away with a renewed enthusiasm for spiritual things, but within a week (if I was lucky) I was back to my busy, secular-driven life.  I didn’t know how to develop a relationship with Jesus that would move me from weekly visitor to everyday companion.

That was, until I discovered Scripture.  At first it was confusing and even at times frustrating, but I found books designed to guide me in the use of God’s word for everyday living along with a few for scholarly understanding.  I joined a faith sharing/bible study group because I found strength and encouragement in those kindred struggling spirits.

Over time I found myself transforming, not slipping away from daily communication with God, but so close that at one point my mother quipped, “You talk as though Jesus is your best friend.”

In reading the bible I was able as today’s Gospel reminds us, to hear Jesus’ voice because I was learning what it sounded like.  Like a sheep that recognizes his Shepherd’s unique call – my time in scripture trained me to block out the other voice vying for my attention and help me focus more closely and clearly on my Shepherd.  What a gift to confidently say, Jesus knows me, and I follow Him.

Ponder:

So many voices are competing for my attention, and many of those offer false messages. What can I change in my life beginning today to train myself to hear my Shepherd loud and clear over the din of life?

Pray:

Lord Jesus Christ, Master and Shepherd of my heart, please reveal your voice to me in the Sacred Scriptures so that I may follow you.  I know as sheep, left to my own devices, I can get myself into trouble. Instead, I long to be under your loving care and protection.  Jesus, I am so comforted by your words in today’s Gospel, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.”  Amen

Copyright 2014 Allison Gingras