A Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter
Year A
When he [i.e. the shepherd of the sheep] has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
–John 10:4–
If I could see well, one of the things I would enjoy doing would be to recognize someone at a distance, wave at him, and holler, “Hey, John, how are you doing?” As it is, however, I can’t identify someone unless he is pretty close to me or unless I recognize his voice.
In order for me to learn a voice, I need to do two things. First, I need to put myself in a place where I am likely to hear that voice. For example, if I am to learn your voice, I can’t duck into the sacristy after Mass. I must be in the gathering space where I will be likely to encounter you. Second, if I am to recognize a voice, I need to hear that voice consistently at least six or seven times. For instance, if you want me to get to know you, you must repeatedly come up to me and say your name. Over time, I’ll learn to associate your name with your voice. But once I learn the association, I’ll never forget it. I’ll hear your voice and immediately connect it with your name, and don’t think you’ll be able to go to confession to me and remain anonymous!
In our Gospel, Jesus confirms that His sheep recognize His voice. I must therefore ask myself: Do I recognize the voice of Jesus? Do I put myself in places and situations where I am most likely to hear the voice of Christ? Do I pray regularly, read the Scriptures consistently, study my faith diligently, attend Mass weekly, seek out edifying entertainments, and associate with those whom I would do well to emulate?
When I was a young teacher, my students would sometimes attempt to disguise their voices in order to trick me into not recognizing them. At first, I thought the kids were making fun of me; then I realized that they were thrilled when they couldn’t fool me. They wanted me to recognize their voices. I think it’s like that with Jesus. His voice comes to us in many ways and with many disguises, but He wants us to recognize His voice, and He’s thrilled when we get it right!