Lectio Divina: 4th Sunday of Easter

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

REFLECTION

In today’s Gospel, Jesus points out that He knows His sheep not only because they hear His voice, but also because they follow Him. Because of this, He gives them the gift of eternal life. In His hands, they are safe and cannot be taken away. He reminds those listening that the Father has given them (us) to Him.

Though it is one of the shortest Gospels we hear at Mass, it is packed with some beautiful truths. God knows us and wants to be in a relationship with us. How do we respond to that desire? It is through prayer that we’re able to enter into a deeper relationship with the Father. In fact: if we want to hear His voice, the best way to do it is by reading His words in Sacred Scripture. We cannot know His voice or follow Him if we aren’t spending time in the Bible, especially the Gospels. That’s why taking time to read the daily readings, to go through the Gospel, or to pray Lectio Divina is so important. How can we grow in love without knowing the One we are called to love?

In a world full of distractions and noise, we must fight for this time of communion with the Lord. It might be hard at first, but it’s important to find time for silence away from social media, tv, etc. In this silence and stillness, we’ll be able to be more present to the Lord.

His sheep hear His voice. He knows them. They follow Him.

Are we living in a way that will count us among the sheep?

QUESTIONS 

  1. Do I hear the Lord’s voice?
  2. Do I trust that the Lord knows me?
  3. Am I intentionally following Jesus?
  4. What is the “noise” in my life distracting me from the Lord’s voice?
  5. How can I make more time for silence and prayer?