Today’s gospel centers on the good shepherd discourse of John 10. In John 9, Jesus has given sight to the man born blind, prompting a heated debate between the man and the Pharisees over what it means to be “blind.” The episode ends with the formerly blind man worshipping Jesus as the Son of Man (John 9:35-38). But the Pharisees have not had all their say—surely they, the religious leaders of Israel, cannot be accused of spiritual blindness? 

To this, Jesus responds with the famous description of the Good Shepherd, revealing that the Pharisees are not only blind to the truth, they are deaf as well. If they were truly God’s children, they would know the voice of the shepherd and would “follow him, because they recognize his voice” (John 10:4). Instead of patiently waiting for the true shepherd, however, these sheep have tried to become shepherds themselves, leading their flock according to manmade rules and regulations. In doing so they have become, not true leaders, but rather “thieves and robbers” (v.8) trying to claim the sheep for their own. As a result, the sheep have scattered, “because they do not recognize the voice of strangers” (v.6). The test here is less of the sheep and more of their would-be shepherds. Only the true shepherd can claim the sheep, even the ones that do not  belong to the fold of Israel (v.16). As false shepherds, the Pharisees have scattered the flock and will, in the end, end up abandoning it altogether when danger threatens (v.12-13). The sheep, scattered and lonely, have been left waiting, waiting to finally hear the voice of the one they know and love, the one they can trust. 

Little sheep, do you know his voice? When the Good Shepherd calls you to graze in green pastures and rest beside safe waters, will you go to him? When he walks ahead, will you follow, even into the dark valley or in the presence of enemies? Will you dwell with him in goodness and love, all the days of your life? 

Reflection by Parishioner Kathryn Wilmotte