Daily Gospel Reflection for April 24, 2018

Today's Gospel: John 10:22-30 As the sheep might be distracted by the calls of the wilderness, our children can easily be distracted by the voices of the culture leading them away from the flock. Our motherly voice is a constant source of warning, instructing, commanding, and yet it is also a place of encouragement and love leading our children back to Christ. As mothers, we are responsible for teaching our children to hear the voice of the shepherd and to associate that sound with love, compassion and mercy. In the scripture, Jesus said, “I know them.” Just as God knows us, we can come to know our children. As moms, through the help of the Holy Spirit, we often have keen insight into our children’s behaviors, temperaments and temptations. Each child is like the sheep in the scripture that needs constant and consistent loving care. And yet, at the end of the day, we need to take refuge in the words of Christ, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.” Our Lord wants to help us parent our flock, and He wants to protect them from harm.

Ponder:

Does your voice resemble the voice of the Good Shepherd? Do you show compassion, mercy and love to your children? How do you need to adapt your voice and behaviors to better resemble the Good Shepherd?

Pray:

Dear Lord, please help us in our vocation of motherhood. Help our voice to be loving, compassionate and merciful, especially when we are frustrated and upset. May we learn how to listen to Your voice as our loving shepherd and know that You desire to be with all of us in heaven. Amen