[verse 2]
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I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold, I freely give
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The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down and drink and live."
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I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream.
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My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in Him.
That is one of my all-time favorite hymns. It was written back in the 1800’s, but it still speaks to us today. You see, the image from the gospel reading is that we are like sheep and Jesus is our shepherd. That is the title of this weekend Masses: Good Shepherd Sunday.
Let me explain a bit about raising sheep. Unlike cattle, sheep prefer to be led, not herded from behind like cattle. Sheep follow each other or they follow the person that takes care of them. Today, around here we call that person a sheep farmer or rancher. At the time of Jesus, and still today in the Middle East, that person is called a shepherd.
The sheep farmer or shepherd usually has a bond with the sheep, sometimes giving each one a name. The sheep instinctively trusts the shepherd and recognizes his or her voice. And they will respond and follow wherever the shepherd takes them. For example, with just the slightest whistle or a click of the tongue the sheep recognize the shepherd and they react. They know that the person in charge is there to protect them . . . and even considers him, or her, like one of the flock . . . with total trust.
A shepherd can walk among sleeping sheep without disturbing one (where as anyone else would cause a ruckus). The sheep knows the shepherd‘s voice and the shepherd knows the sound of each sheep’s voice (called a bleat). Can any of you kids sound like a sheep? [invite them to bleat].
A good shepherd can distinguish between a bleat of pain and one of joy.
Still today in the Middle East, you can witness sheep being cared for in the same manner that Jesus talked about. During the day, shepherds would allow their flocks to intermingle as they graze together or drink at the watering hole. But as night approaches, the flocks separate. Each sheep falling into line behind their caretakers. Then they all go into their fenced or enclosed area. In some instances the shepherd will lie down at the opening of the enclosure assuring the flock’s safety with his very life. Just like Jesus said in the gospel, as he said, “I am the sheep gate.” That is, anyone trying to harm the sheep will have to go through him.
[sing verse 1]
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I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto Me and rest;
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Lay down, thou weary one, lay down, Thy head upon My breast."
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I came to Jesus as I was, Weary and worn and sad;
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I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad.
So we are invited to hear the voice of Jesus, to rest and be glad. How do we hear that voice?
Perhaps it is not in all the clamor, or bigness, of technology or the right app. Not in thunderstorms but in whispers . . . such as in taking the time to be still. To simply sit in quiet with God.
Perhaps the voice of Jesus is heard when we have that feeling inside that tells us to do the right thing. That feeling that challenges us to say or do the noble thing . . . even if no one else agrees.
Maybe the voice of Jesus is one that stretches us to care for those who have less than we do. It’s that sense inside us . . . that knows we could be more generous with our money, our time, our patience. It beckons us to become better a better person.
[Sing part of first line: “I heard the voice of Jesus say.”]
What could Jesus be telling you today?
Maybe the voice says not to be afraid. It’s going to work out OK. Trust. Whatever is burdening you right now . . . it will pass. All will be well again. Remember, sometimes when you think your life is falling apart, it is really falling together.
Maybe the voice says, “Smile more. Have some fun. Don’t be so serious or don’t take life so serious. Do you realize how grumpy or “unfun” you have been. Lighten up.
Or perhaps the voice says, “I know you. I know exactly what you have done. I know precisely all those habits and traits that you have managed to hide from everyone else. I know all of your flaws and mistakes . . . . and still I am madly in love with you. And I will never leave.”
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I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world's Light.
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Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise And all thy day be bright."
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I looked to Jesus, and I found In Him my Star, my Sun;
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And in that Light of Life I'll walk Till traveling days are done.