April 17, 2016

Jn 10: 27-30

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved

The Voice of the One Shepherd

I hear voices,

Many, many voices,

Outside, inside, my head, my heart,

Static that distracts me from listening.

I know you hear me,

Like a mother recognizes

The sound of her baby’s cry

Amidst a thousand other screams.

Attune my soul to the sound of your voice.

I’m tired of wandering,

Searching for a serenity,

The eternal life only you can give.

I have known the long loneliness of the lost.

I yearn to learn to discern

The voice of the One Shepherd

From the seductive voice of the great pretender

Whose alluring lies promise much but steal all,

Deceiving me as it leads me from the safety of your hand.

-- J. Michael Sparough, SJ is a retreat director, spiritual director,

playwright, and poet at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, Barrington, IL.

Prayer

Lord,

Call me closer.

Lift me to Your side.

Shepherd of my soul,

Calm my nervous bleating.

Let me feel the beating of your heart,

For I long to belong to you more fully.

Amen!

-- J. Michael Sparough, SJ

Please share the Good Word with your friends!