Homily, May 11, 2025
From The Pastor
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is always ‘Good Shepherd Sunday.’ It is only a coincidence that it is also Mother’s Day. One might not immediately see any connection between the two, but the spiritual image of Jesus as our Good Shepherd and the natural role of a mother is quite similar.
The appeal of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is that of protector, defender; one of strength, protection, and one who guides and directs to the safety of green pastures. The care of the Good Shepherd is genuine, sincere, and committed. Jesus the Good Shepherd is willing to lay down his life for his sheep. Those giving themselves to the Shepherd’s care know his voice and readily follow.
Many of these same qualities fit the role and identity of a mother. Every mother knows the voice of her child down to the slightest tone and inflection. In a split second, a good mother will know if a cry is one of complaint, discomfort, or crisis. Every mother fills the role of protector, defender, leading and guiding her children on paths of safety and right order. Children similarly know the voice of their mother confident and secure in her nurturing care and faithful love. Children know the tone and context of a mother’s call. Right now, maybe later, maybe not at all, or she did not really mean that. Every mother knows what I mean.
Today we celebrate and honor with love, respect, and gratitude for the gift of our mother’s love. With the love and support, a mother readily gives herself to those in her care. Mothers are a true good example of the nature and care of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Do not miss the opportunity to express your love, support, and appreciation for your mother. Do not doubt that she will honor and value your words of love and sincere gift. Where would we be without our shepherding mothers who lead us with their guiding care?
In the context of the gospel, Jesus is responding to the resistance and expectation of the religious leaders. Jesus knows these leaders do not believe in him. They do not accept his words nor in faith hear his voice. To this, Jesus responds: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” In this spiritual context the words have a different meaning. Those who have faith in Jesus will hear his voice and seek to follow him. They will desire his way, find security in his care, and protection in his defense. In him they see and trust the path he offers to eternal life. The voice of the Shepherd is heard in the heart.
In a world of endless noise, shouting voices that seek our attention, and all the demanding ploys of a consumerist culture, how do we learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? In the truest sense, this is the wisdom of the words and the reason Jesus is so intent on gathering, protecting, and defending his own. Jesus knows the pitfalls that constantly distract and ploy against even his most ardent followers that are pulled away from the personal relationship to which he calls us.
How do we learn to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd? Faith and desire play a critical role. More than following the rules and rubrics of religion, Jesus calls us to a personal relationship of trust and commitment. Any loving relationship needs time and a willingness to attentively be with the beloved one whom we seek. Any commitment to a loving relationship will soon learn the voice of the beloved and a yearning for the one whom they desire.
In a spiritual relationship with Jesus these bonds of love are built up in prayer. More than recitation of prayers, a deep relationship with the Divine will call for quiet stillness. This takes practice, but in time one who practices quiet prayer will learn to hear the voice of the Shepherd. This is a common practice not limited to mystics or those in a religious vocation. It is normative to all the baptized.
You have ‘heard’ the voice of the Lord yourself. A person shared with me that they heard the Lord say: “Take off the ring.” It was obeyed and bore fruit. As I prepared for Holy Week, the Lord said very clearly to me: “Be still.” I obeyed and it changed my whole attitude and outlook. Jesus led me through the whole week in a peaceful way. Honestly, the examples are endless.
Make an effort to quiet the inner voices we all hear; our self-talk that complains, corrects, wrestles with us, and mostly will not shut up. Turn off the TV, put down the phone, and close the computer. If you want to know Jesus more deeply, sit still and be quiet. Life slows down, you slow down, the ear rests, and the heart opens. Honestly, most people resist this, but if you want to hear the voice of your Shepherd, this is the way to do it. For now, obey the inner voice that is telling you to express love and appreciate your mother.
Father John Esper
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