CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD: LISTENING TO HIS VOICE AND FOLLOWING HIS CALL

Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A)

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Acts 2:14, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10

A friend of mine who is a tourist once shared with me that the most frightening experience of his life was being lost in an unfamiliar place with no one to guide him. Darkness was not the greatest fear; uncertainty was. Human life often feels like that. Many people today are not lacking intelligence or opportunities; they are lacking direction, trustworthy guidance, and a voice they can follow. It is into this reality that the liturgy of this fourth Sunday of Easter presents Christ as the Good Shepherd.

The Gospel reading is rich with pastoral imagery familiar to Jesus’ listeners. In the ancient world, shepherds did not merely drive sheep from behind; they walked ahead, knew each sheep, protected them from danger, and led them to pasture. Jesus says, “The sheep hear his voice… he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” This is deeply personal. Christ does not govern by distance. He knows us individually, calls us personally, and leads us lovingly.

Jesus also says, “I am the gate for the sheep.” This means He is both Shepherd and Gate. As Shepherd, He guides; as Gate, He gives access to safety and life. Outside Him, there is confusion and danger; through Him, there is salvation. In a world of competing voices - lifestyles, ideologies, false promises/prophecies, destructive habits - the Christian life depends on discerning and following the voice of Christ.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm beautifully affirms this truth: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” Notice, it does not say the believer will have everything desired, but that under God’s shepherding care, nothing essential is lacking. He gives rest, guidance, nourishment, and courage even in dark valleys.

The first reading shows how the Risen Christ continues shepherding His people through the apostolic Church. Peter preaches, hearts are pierced, and about three thousand are baptized. The Shepherd still gathers His flock, now through preaching, sacraments, and the ministry of the Church. The second reading presents Christ as the suffering Shepherd: “By his wounds you have been healed.” Unlike worldly leaders who exploit others, Jesus saves by self-giving love. He does not feed on the sheep; He feeds the sheep with His own life.

Today is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. If Christ is the Shepherd, He continues His shepherding mission through those He calls to priesthood, religious life, missionary service, and faithful Christian marriage. Vocations are not merely careers; they are responses to the voice of the Shepherd. The Church needs holy priests, joyful religious, faithful spouses, and generous lay apostles who lead the flock aright and not those who will mislead them

But vocation begins with listening. Many cannot hear God’s call because life is filled with noise. Prayer creates interior silence where the Shepherd’s voice becomes clear. Families should encourage vocation, not fear it. Parishes should nurture it. Young people should not be afraid to ask, “Lord, what do You want of me?”

Dear friend, the real question today is not whether Christ still speaks - He does. The question is whether we still listen. Whose voice guides your decisions? Whose path are you following? And if Christ is calling you to serve Him more deeply, will you answer? May the Good Shepherd lead us, protect us, and raise many generous vocations in His Church. Amen.