He Calls Us By Name

May 7, 1017

Fourth Sunday of Easter

“The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.” – John 10:3-4

He calls his own sheep by name.

Have I ever heard that call? Have I heard Him speak my name?

This makes me think of Mary Magdalene when she did not recognize Jesus after His resurrection until He called her by name. “Mary.”

The sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.

Sometimes we recognize Jesus’ voice through others’ words, written or verbal.

Sometimes we recognize Jesus in the silence of our hearts. Or in another person. Or in nature. Or in scripture.

But in order to recognize Jesus, we need to listen. We need to be still and listen and pay attention to the world and people around us.

Jesus, thank you for being my shepherd. Thank you for calling me and calling me until I finally hear your voice. Thank you for promising to be with me always. Help me to pay attention. Help me to recognize you. May I always follow you and hear your voice. Amen.