I Know My Sheep

Traditionally we call the fourth Sunday of the Easter Season Good Shepherd Sunday.  The image of a shepherd is found throughout our scriptures.

For example, in Psalm 23, we read, “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I lack.”

Isaiah tells us, “Like a shepherd who feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.”

In the gospel of John 10:11 we hear, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”

On this Sunday, we are invited to ponder this passage from John:

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

The Sunday readings after Easter show Jesus continuing to guide his followers. Thomas is questioned about his faith. “Do you believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Peter is asked, “Do you love me?  Feed my sheep.”

This week we are invited to listen to God’s voice and respond. On this Fourth Sunday of Easter I continue to ponder:

Do I believe because I have seen Jesus?  How is my faith lived out each day?

Do I love Jesus? In what ways do I feed his sheep?

How do I hear God’s voice each day?  How do I respond?

I believe God speaks to me each day in my prayer, my study and reflection, in my interactions with others, and from all the events and sorrows present in our world.  I pray I hear God’s voice and that I respond with prayer and action in whatever ways I am led.

(Photomontage by Sister Adele Rowland, OP, 1915-2015)

Sister Emmanuel Cardinale, OP