Daily Gospel Reflection for May 5, 2020

Today's Gospel: John 10:22-30

I imagine a shepherd on a hillside sitting with his back against a tree. Around him are his sheep. They are gentle creatures, not known for their intellect. He is at peace with his flock around him, and also on guard. He knows the wolf is near, waiting for a lamb to stray. He knows his sheep. To an outside eye they look alike, but to him they are individuals. He loves his sheep and they follow him. When he speaks they listen. He has never disappointed them. With him they are safe. If one strays, he leaves the flock to find it, so precious is each sheep to him.

I desire to be a sheep in Jesus’ flock. I am learning His voice. I know it is small and comes in the silence. It is a whisper, not a shout. I wish it was a roadside billboard, loud, clear, and obvious. As I come over the bridge, I see it, only instead of saying “Shop at Al’s” it would give me directions for each day.

Gladly, it is not an if-then statement. “If my sheep hear my voice, then I know them.” We are known by God even when it is hard to hear Him. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He loves us and wants us in His flock. Even though we have trouble hearing His voice -- the rush of the wind, the chatter of others, or shiny objects distract us -- He keeps calling, beckoning us into a life of fullness with Him. We are known and we are His -- “no one shall snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). We keep listening. We make space in our lives and hearts for the shepherd who will give everything for us to return to Him.

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Ponder:

Do you desire to be in Jesus’ flock? When is it hard to hear your Shepherd’s call?

Pray:

Jesus, help me hear Your quiet voice in the noisiness of my life. Keep calling me, Jesus.

Copyright 2020 Merridith Frediani

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