April 26, Monday Easter Weekday

Athirst is my soul for the living God.--Psalm 42:3

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

Our Good Shepherd

Since I've always had dogs as pets, my experience with them is extensive. I know the names of many dogs in our neighborhood, and I have little ''conversations'' with them. This has come in handy when a dog jumps a fence into our yard. Since I know the animal's name and he's familiar with my voice, the dog will come to me.

Jesus and His countrymen were very familiar with sheep. In today's Gospel reading Jesus says, ''the sheep hear his [the shepherd's] voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.'' Jesus continues the image: ''He walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.'' Jesus, our Shepherd, is always calling us by name to come follow Him. May we always recognize His voice.

Prayer: Divine Shepherd, lead me safely along the paths of life today.