Where is your true belonging? If someone asked that question our natural response would be to name our country of birth or our hometown. Even though accurate, it is a place of temporary identification. Today’s Gospel proclamation tells us that we have a greater place of belonging, an eternal home: a place in the sheepfold of our Lord. Jesus describes that it is not a physical place, but a position of him knowing us intimately and us coming to know him intimately. A sheep does not recognise a stranger’s voice, nor does it follow a stranger but only the shepherd. Our Lord Jesus is vocalizing a prophesy that in the future, many will come to hear his voice and be nourished by the pastures he will provide. Further, our Lord says that it is his Father’s delight that this should happen. It is the Father’s longing that many would come close and be dear to him. However, it is not something we could earn, work for or be worthy enough to receive, but a gift for those have been called by name.

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to do your will. Amen.