Athirst is my soul for the living God. — Psalm 42:(see 3)

Mass readings: Acts 11:1-18 / John 10:11-18 

My Flock 

I’ve taught long enough to recall when 30 hands would rise in response to one of my questions. Now, most hands are itching to send a text message, while one valiant soul attempts an answer. When I ask about this trepidation, students tell me they fear “getting it wrong” or “standing out.” They might agree with Abe Lincoln who said, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”  

This scenario reflects today’s Gospel about the sheep, the gate and the robber. Our young scholars can appear bland as sheep. They dress alike, act alike, talk alike — so we adults try to shepherd them away from the cliffs and the wolves. And, sometimes, a new hand will rise and we’ll know our calls haven’t fallen on deaf ears.  

Prayer: Jesus, our Good Shepherd, be with all young people today.