Gospel – John 10:27-30

Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.
The Father and I are one.”

Reflection on the Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

When I was a student at Seton Hall University, I received very moving advice from one of the priests who often said mass for the school’s students and faculty. He mentioned that we often ask God to help us in our time of need; through final exams and other challenges that come through life. While we often ask for aid during the trial times, it is very rare that we take time to pause and actually listen. This gospel speaks directly to this idea; “My sheep listen to my voice.” We are often so caught up in the things we have to do, whether it is daily errands or work related tasks. We constantly think about our mistakes in the past including things we should have done or said in certain situations and things we should have avoided. It is rare that we practice mindfulness and take time to be in the present. When we take time to be in the present and truly listen to Jesus’ voice we give ourselves an opportunity to find life. We can find ourselves outside of all the things we have to do that come to define us. When we simply reflect on who we are and the blessings we receive daily, we get a new perspective on life and what is important. We are also able to see ourselves in a new light, not simply as someone who carries out many important tasks, but also as someone who follows Jesus, and cannot be “snatched” by all the things around us. It is only then that we can live in him and truly follow his example. When we begin to take time to listen to Jesus, we take our own feelings and expectations out of our actions and begin to find how we should live and act towards others. By listening, we can deny our own expectations and treat others the way Jesus would have treated others. Let us learn to listen and incorporate Jesus more into our lives and interactions, becoming more one with the Father in all we do.

Brian Clarke
St. Peter’s Boys High School – Staten Island, NY

Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.