Homily: 4th Sunday in Easter, YR C
Listen to the Good Shepherd
by Fr. William Holtzinger
May 2, 2004

Today we heard how Jesus called himself the “Good Shepherd,” and so he is. But what makes him a good shepherd? Why was this image used and how does it apply to our lives? Interchangeable with the word shepherd is the word “steward.” A shepherd or steward is one who doesn’t “own” but rather “tends” or “takes care of” those whom he has been given. Parents are stewards. A government representative is a steward. Indeed all of us are stewards of all that is in our lives. Thus, we are all called to tend well those things and people in our lives. By doing so, we become like Jesus, a Good Shepherd.

To tend something takes energy and time. So, for our children, how many of you have pets? What is necessary to take care of your pet? (Solicit answers). All of these things help and give life to the pet in your life. All of these things are part of being a Shepherd and steward.

For our adults, our parents especially, what does the life of a good shepherd look like? We are very likely able to answer this question with exacting precision given the previous thoughts. However, let me draw us a little deeper. Knowing that a good shepherd tends that which is in his/her stewardship, what does it look like from the outside? What does it look like on the inside? How does it feel to be a good shepherd? What are the attitudes of a good shepherd? In order to know this, we must first come to know what it means to be a sheep or lamb.

You see, the Good Shepherd, knows his flock. We are his flock. And as his flock we are to imitate his way as a good shepherd. By being good sheep, by following the Shepherd, by imitating his life, we become more like the shepherd. That’s right. The analogy of shepherding gets blown up and expanded when it involves people and not real animals, for no animal has become more than itself. A sheep (Genus and Species Ovis Aries cannot become a Homo Sapien). Yet, this is what the Christian life offers. It offers a chance to exceed our nature. With the Grace of God, our fallen nature can be perfected. We can become more than we think we are. Because of God’s power, his Spirit can give us dignity that overshadows our innate goodness. We become the beloved of God.

So, what is it to be a good sheep? We are to listen to the voice of the Shepherd. But, do we really listen to the voice of the Lord and act on it? Or do we simply give it lip service when we come to Mass. You know... we say the words but don’t think about their consequences. There are so many voices vying for our attention. What are those voices and what do they say? How can we hear and recognize the voice of the Lord?

When we hear a voice, how can we know when it is not just ourselves instead of God’s voice? Often we do talk to ourselves. And often God will talk with us. Yet that voice we hear inside our hearts sounds like our own. God inspires us. He breathes his words into our hearts. So, one way to discern whose voice is speaking is to engage your brain. What is the voice telling you? Are you being told Good News or Bad News? The voice of the world is hedonistic. The voice of the world is that one that tells you that you’re not good enough or your not smart enough or you’ll never amount to anything. The voice of the Evil one is the lord of the world. And so we are being called not to listen to this voice. The voice of God is the one that says that you are loved. The Good Shepherd tells you that you are precious and you can’t do anything to make God love you any less, and you can’t do anything to make God love you more.

So this week, listen carefully to the voices in your heart. Discern who is talking to you. Listen and act on the voice of the Good Shepherd. When you do, your life will change. You may be lead to where you would not expect. You may be lead to places you may not want to go. But, you will be lead to places where God knows you need to go. You will be lead to places that will ultimately give you deep joy. Do not be afraid. Listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd.