Reflection: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:2-3

I recall in a homily about this Scripture, my pastor said, "Listen to the voice of the Shepherd." He said, "How do we listen to the voice of the Shepherd? Through prayer."

When we spend time in prayer, reading the Scriptures, talking to God and listening to Him, we learn to hear His voice. We come to know when He is calling us.

Jesus is calling YOU by name. Can you hear His voice?

Spend time in silence with Jesus, talking with Him as you would with a dear friend. In Eucharistic adoration, Jesus is present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. In a chapel or church, sit before the tabernacle. Jesus is there and He is waiting for you. Make a quiet place in your home and sit in the Presence of the Lord. Go to a place where you feel peace, take a quiet walk or sit by the seashore or a lake. Wherever you go, place yourself in His Presence and listen. He will speak in your heart. You will come to know His voice.

What do you desire to do with a friend or loved one?  You want spend time together. You recognize one another's voice.  You listen and share your heart's desire.

Jesus wants you to spend time with Him and share your heart's desire with Him. He is the Good Shepherd who is always searching for you. When you turn away from Him, He never stops looking for you so He can draw you back. He protects you from danger and from enemies and always watches over you. He will console and heal you and restore your soul.

By His wounds, you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25

What a comfort to know that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the Guardian of our souls!

Place yourself in His arms and rest, knowing you are His beloved child. Be still and listen to His voice...

Jesus came that you may have abundant life, a life lived to the fullest, here on earth and eternal life with Him in heaven. In the Scriptures, there are so many stories of struggles, suffering and pain. Jesus is in the midst of all these difficulties and He is with you in all your sufferings too. Jesus brings peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Jesus is calling YOU by name. Make time to place yourself in His Presence and listen for His voice.

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10