My sheep hear my voice

Readings: 1st: Acts 11:19–22; Ps: 87; Gos John 10:22-30

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today is Tuesday of the fourth week of Easter. Today, John continues on Christ’s teaching on the good shepherd.

Unfortunately, this teaching has left the Jews in suspense about the personality of Christ. So, they wanted Christ to define his identity. They wanted to verify, according to their own criteria, if Jesus was, or was not the Messiah.

So, they said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” A question that will satisfy them intellectually. Unfortunately, the basic problem is not the proof that Jesus is the Messiah.

Rather, it was their disinterested in truth and the good works of Christ. Definitely, where this openness exists, Jesus is recognized by His sheep. Only those who follow him humbly, can recognize who he is.

Also, Jesus knows that those who have eyes to see will recognize the works he does and find faith in him. At this moment, Christ reiterates that, he is the good shepherd, who takes care of his sheep and flock.

The mutual understanding between Jesus and the persons who open themselves to truth is the source of eternal life. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!