Hear His Voice – John 10:1-10 Reflection
If you have been around sheep, you know that they bond very closely with their shepherd. This is the case with many types of animals. I know this firsthand as I have chickens. When my chickens realize I am present, they immediately run to me. If we fall in love with Jesus, this reaction is no different. Like any exercise, we must practice being aware and present to Jesus. With time and patience, we can always be ready to Hear His voice, ignoring all the other distractions. Outwardly reflecting the love Jesus reveals in the whispers is the path and gate to a life not of things or for self but grace for others.
He Who is of God Hears the Word of God by James Tissot painting at full resolution.
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Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 10:1-10 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
Jesus the Good Shepherd
10 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 10-1-10 Reflection – Listen for His Voice.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*The Immersive Prayer site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 10 passage.
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