Called by name

Sunday was a big day for our blog site because it was Good Shepherd Sunday. It used to be on the second Sunday of Easter until Divine Mercy overtook it that day in 2000. So, now it’s on the fourth Sunday of Easter every year. A belated happy Good Shepherd Sunday to all our (sheep) bloggers!

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus said that the shepherd calls his sheep “by name”. Btw, do shepherds really name their sheep?! Anyway, we know He is referring to His relationship with us. And we know He is calling us each by name into relationship with Him. If we don’t feel worthy, that’s good because it’s true. None of us is worthy of Christ’s love. Hopefully, though, we are excited to be included and invited by Him.

He calls us by our name. He doesn’t call us as the child of so-and-so or the friend of so-and-so. He calls you….and me. He calls us for who we are and as we are, warts and all. He doesn’t force us, and always waits for us. He has so much to talk about with us. He does most of the listening (!), but always wants to say something. And when He does, our hearts are flooded with comfort. He is speaking to me! He knows me and he loves me! And he is always there for me.

When Jesus calls us by name, we realize that it’s us and Him. We each realize this is my relationship with Christ. This is my faith now, not my parents’ faith. And in answering the call of the Good Shepherd, I will find my role in the Church and my purpose in this world.