“He walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.”

john 10:4

John 10:1-10

Reflection

Jesus tells the Pharisees that he is the gate for his sheep. Anyone who enters another way is a robber and thief, but the sheep don’t follow them because they don’t recognize their voice. The sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice and follow him, and will be saved.

Jesus continues his Good Shepherd dialogue. Once again, he presents himself as our shepherd, leader, and protector. He will not let any evil befall us from thieves or let us be led astray.

In fact, Jesus says that he walks ahead of us and we follow him. In difficult moments of our lives, especially those when we feel alone and abandoned, remember that Jesus is just before you, showing you the way. He doesn’t let us wander blindly forward, but rather has cleared the path and beckons us to follow.

There may still be difficulties to face, but we can have courage because we know the Lord is leading us through most lovingly. How can you better listen to our Shepherd’s voice and follow him?

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Saint of the Day

Sts. Nereus and Achilleus: ca. AD 250s

“Nereus and Achilleus the martyrs joined the army and carried out the cruel orders of the tyrant, obeying his will continually out of fear. Then came a miracle of faith. They suddenly gave up their savagery, they were converted, they fled the camp of their evil leader, throwing away their shields, armor, and bloody spears. Professing the faith of Christ, they are happy to witness to its triumph.” Epitaph written by Pope Damascus