THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, 2022

Acts 11:19-26

Ps 87

John 10:22-30

…They follow me

In the Gospel passage of today (John 10:22-30), Jesus told the Jews, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…” It is important to know that Jesus is the one who calls, He is the Good Shepherd who is always calling out to the lost sheep and to the faithful sheep in the sheepfold. His voice is unmistakable for those who belong to him. He does not deceive, and he does not mislead. In the scriptures and in the teachings of the Church, he calls out clearly and loudly to all who cares to listen— it is to him we come to rest in the midst of the troubles and trials that seems unending around us. He is the Good Shepherd that leads his flock to the spring of life and to the refreshing pasture of eternal life. That call does not go unheeded for those who are his sheep. All those who have been given to him by the Father listen to him and those who come to him he does not turn away. It’s such a privilege to belong to him.

Jesus also says, ‘I know them’— in another passage he says, “I know my own and my own know me.” It is not just the individual who decides to follow Jesus, just as they have been called by the Father, so it is that Jesus knows those who actually are desirous of following him and more importantly are making efforts to do so. It does not end at Baptism or bearing Christian names. It is not only by showing up on Sundays and other feasts of the Church. It also entails living a life that is worthy of their Christian calling. That is why he says, “they follow me.” We heard that call loudly by the sea of Galilee when he called, Peter and Andrew, James and John. We heard it at the Tax office when he called Matthew and it is repeated daily in our ears. How many in their freedom are making the choice to follow him. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts, says the psalmist. 

Jesus crowns it by telling us what he offers, not the temporal pleasure and earthly success that many crave. He says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hands.”  Jesus offers eternal life, the same the Father gives to us because, he says, “I and the Father are one.” The door of salvation is open to all in Christ. We have the choice to make if we want to get there. That choice is to follow him and to do his will.

Let us pray: Lord, grant us the grace to keep safe those you have entrusted to us, just as you keep your sheep safe. Amen.

+Remain blessed