The Good Shepherd loves and cares for the sheep. He knows each of the sheep by name. He calls them and they follow his voice. How do we recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd amid the noise and competing voices in the world? We know the voice of the Good Shepherd because we have heard his Word so often. It is in listening to him that we know about his great love for us. The great self-sacrificing love that the Good Shepherd has for the sheep reminds us of the love that the parent has for the child.
- Reflection by Mary Heinrich in “Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families 2023-24” published by Liturgy Training Publications.