The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:2-4)
After Jesus was raised from the dead He appeared to His disciples and other followers. He was not always recognized immediately. Mary Magdalene thought Jesus was a gardener when He appeared to her. St. Luke says the disciples mistook Him for a ghost. St. Mark notes that many did not believe the testimony of the first witnesses. And there were some who saw Jesus but still doubted! This is to be expected. For only those who belong to Jesus’ flock will believe.
Those who belong to Jesus flock will believe when they hear His voice because they are the sheep that Jesus is seeking. Our job is to share the Good News that Christ died for our sins being raised to new life as we are no longer held in bondage to sin and its consequences. Those whom Jesus already knows will respond to His voice. Let us open the gate for the Shepherd and feed His flock!
...just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. (John 10:15-17)
PONDERING WITH THE PADRE: This is a place where I, when inspired by the Holy Spirit, can sow seeds to help each and everyone of us grow as true Christians. I believe God is Lord of all of His creation. All we can do is seek His will for our lives. We cannot please God by our own good works. The fruits of our faith are fruits of repentance, of a new heart!
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