The Good Shepherd

05-11-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. One of the good qualities of sheep or lambs is their obedience and docility. Qualities that are slowly becoming rare in the present society, and instead advocate disobedience, defiance, and stubbornness. We ask ourselves: Are we sheep or lambs, obedient and meek, or are we wolves - uncaring, disobedient, and selfish?

Follow me. Sometimes, we wish the Lord would give us a printout for obedience and docility. If we (truly) consider Him as our SHEPHERD, then we are His sheep who hear, listen, and obey His voice. Often, we do not hear and recognize His voice, and thus cannot follow His instructions.

Sheep hearing and recognizing the voice of their shepherd is not something automatic. From their birth, the newborn sheep grow up listening and learning the voice of their shepherd. And from the many voices they hear, they listen and recognize the distinct voice of their shepherd and follow where it is leading them. In the same way, the sheep of the Lord should develop a hearing and a listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd in prayer: in Scriptures, Examen Prayer, in the Sacraments, and in Eucharistic Adoration. The more time we spend in prayer, the more distinct we hear His voice.

They say the sheep are one of the most intelligent of God’s creations. But still, without their shepherd, they are exposed to all kinds of danger. The shepherd performs multiple tasks for the sheep: protects, leads them to good pasture, and directs them to safety to the sheepfold at night. The sheep know little of these; thus, it is imperative to follow the voice of their shepherd. Separation from the flock increases the danger of the sheep being vulnerable.

Man is a lot smarter than sheep, but our intelligence can be our downfall; pride can tell us that we can manage on our own, believing that we don’t need a shepherd to lead, guard, and protect us, except when we find ourselves trapped or against the wall. Then, we want God’s help in an instant. Man wants the best of both worlds. We want to be in control. But Lord, please stay around just in case we need a co-pilot to take over when things get bad or are going to crash.

Why do we find it difficult to follow the voice of Jesus? Many times, it is because of our lack of faith. But it all starts with hearing the voice of the Good Shepherd. As I said before, the Lord does not whisper His instructions into our ears. We need to develop the art of listening more deeply with faith and with the ears of the heart.

Practicing daily reflection and meditation comes in handy in this situation. With hearing comes listening and following. We make a conscious decision to follow the voice that we hear. Holding on to the belief that whatever happens, no one can ever snatch us from the care of our Good Shepherd. No one can snatch us from the care of God. No one can separate us from the love of the Father, which comes to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Rm. 8:39)

Good Shepherd Sunday reminds us of Jesus’ words: My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Let us learn from these wonderful animals (sheep and lambs) for their virtues of obedience and docility.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Are we sheep or lambs, obedient and meek, or are we wolves—uncaring, disobedient, and selfish?

In this noisy, loud, and misleading world, continue to listen to the voice of our Good Shepherd. Faithfully follow Him, and be assured He knows and is always with us.

Happy Mother’s Day! Today, please remember our mothers with love and gratitude, because no one can take the place of a mother’s heart. Our mothers will do anything for the good of their children.

Lord, bless with Your grace our mothers and all mothers who continue to care, love, and sacrifice, no matter what, no matter when, no matter how.