Listening to the Shepherd’s Voice: Living Christian Spirituality Today

04th Sunday of Easter: May 11, 2025

Readings: Acts 13:14, 43–52; Psalm 100:1–3, 5; Revelation 7:9, 14–17; John 10:27–30

Spirituality is the search for and experience of the sacred, the transcendent, or the deeper meaning of life. It involves a personal journey that often includes a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, such as God, the universe, nature, or the inner self, and is expressed through beliefs, practices, values, and ways of living. In other words, it is simply a way of life with a higher purpose. It tries to answer life's big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? What gives my life meaning? The liturgical readings of this 4th Sunday of Easter deliberate on the kind of new life the early Christians want to embrace. The new style of being is called "The Way." St Paul, the new entrant to the nascent Christian community of believers, makes a huge contribution with his unique style and gifts.

1. Living in God's embrace and in His Certainty

In today’s Gospel, John 10:27–30 Jesus offers one of the most intimate and assuring lines in all of Scripture: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27). In a noisy world, saturated with competing voices — of consumerism, conflict, fear, and ego — what does it mean to hear and follow the voice of the Shepherd? The task is enormous. God asks us to walk in the Spirituality of the Risen Lord, always embracing joy and peace in our hearts, whatever things come into our lives. 

At the heart of Christian spirituality lies a relationship: not simply with teachings or doctrines, but with the living Christ who knows us deeply and calls us by name. This relationship is not passive; it is lived out in trust, surrender, and courageous action — especially in the face of uncertainty, rejection, or suffering. As Christians, we live with the uncertainties of this world but with the certainty that God always walks with us.  God guides and holds us in His embrace. 

2. Being an authentic disciple of our Lord

The first reading from Acts 13:14, 43–52 shows Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaiming the Gospel, even as they face rejection and hostility. Instead of shrinking in fear or self-pity, they respond with joy and resilience. “They shook the dust from their feet in protest…and were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:51–52). This is not naïve optimism — it is a radical trust in the Shepherd’s voice that leads them onward, even when the path is rough. Throughout the missionary journeys of St Paul, we see the enormous blessings and graces despite the hurdles and hurt the disciple of our Lord faces. 

Today, we, too, are called to such trust and resilience. The challenges of our time — environmental crisis, social injustice, increasing polarization, loneliness, and the erosion of truth — demand not a retreat into private piety, but a bold and Spirit-filled discipleship. Christian spirituality, if it is authentic, must overflow into life: it must shape how we speak, spend, vote, create, love, and serve.

3. Choosing Christ's voice over the others

In the second reading, from  Revelation 7:9, 14–17, we see the fruits of such fidelity. A great multitude stands before the throne — not because they avoided struggle, but because “they have come out of the great ordeal” (Rev 7:14). They are those who stayed true to the Lamb, even when it cost them something. Their robes are made white not by comfort but by sacrifice.

Living Christian spirituality today means joining this multitude, choosing Christ’s voice over the world’s, again and again. It means being shepherded not by our fears, but by faith. It involves: Listening daily in prayer, Scripture, and silence for the Shepherd’s voice; Following with courage into places of justice, mercy, and healing; Trusting in His promise: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” (John 10:28). This Sunday reminds us: we are not alone. We belong to a Shepherd who knows us, holds us, and walks with us. May we live this relationship fully — as witnesses of a spirituality that is not only personal, but prophetic. In a world longing for meaning and hope, let us be the voice, hands, and heart of the Shepherd today.

A few questions for self-reflection

1. Whose voice do I listen to most often in my daily life — the voice of Christ, or the many competing voices around me?
2. Do I make time to listen to the Shepherd’s voice through prayer, Scripture, and silence? 
3. Am I willing to embrace discomfort or sacrifice for the sake of staying true to my faith and values?

Prayer

Lord, I come before You with joy, for You are God—my Creator, my Shepherd, and my Guide. You have made me, and I belong to You. You lead me with mercy and faithfulness, and I give thanks for Your goodness that endures forever.

In the midst of the noise and distractions of this world, teach me to recognize and listen to Your voice. Give me the courage to follow You, especially when it is difficult or uncomfortable. Help me to live my faith not just in words, but in actions that reflect Your truth and compassion. Let my life be a response of love and gratitude to You. I make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

May 09, 2025