The Sheepfold and the Voice of the Shepherd

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Stone sheepfold John 10:22-30 Recently my boys have been spending a great deal of time outside in the area that will soon be transformed into our garden. They spend endless hours digging in the dirt for worms. They then promptly take those worms and throw them to the chickens. It amazes me how even chickens can learn to recognize sounds or voices. My oldest makes this funny high-pitched sound when he comes out of the house and heads toward the coop. The chickens practically fall over themselves running toward the fence or out of the coop when they hear him making his sound. They know there is food to follow! In Sunday's Gospel Jesus tells us that, "My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." and "I am the gate for the sheep." Today, again, Jesus mentions that His sheep know His voice and follow Him.  In these few verses we learn that Jesus is both gate and shepherd for the sheep. In those days and even today in some places, a sheepfold w
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30 Day Prayer Challenge - Day 6

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*The 30 Day Prayer Challenge is hosted by Real Life Rosary.  During these 30 days we are using the book 4 Simple Steps to Better Meditations to dive deeper into reading the daily scriptures.  Please click any of links for more information.  Join our Facebook Group to stay up to date.


Step #1 - Clear the Mind.

My only distraction this morning was work and the things I have to do today.  It was nice to just write work and forget it.  The distraction disappeared!


Step #2 - Read the Scriptures

Today's readings can be found here.  Today the Gospel really spoke to me.  Although I've read this passage probably hundreds of times, there was certainly a new light on it today.

Step #3 - Join the Story

I imagined this taking place by the sea.  I often imagine Jesus teaching us in some beautiful, peaceful location.  The teachings always come after a long day walking, sailing, or working with people.  We are worn out from the day, exhausted really, and Jesus chooses this time to speak to us because we are not caring about the worries of the day, we are focused on Him.

He wants us to be childlike.  I've often thought that this only meant to be innocent.  However, today as I hear these words once again.  I wonder if he isn't referring more to a child like my youngest son.  He is innocent although he is also very ornery.  More importantly, he is persistent.  The word "no" doesn't phase him as it does me.  To him, "no" means "ask again".  Maybe that is what God means when He asks us to be childlike.  He wants us to be persistent in our prayers, maybe even in this 30 Day Challenge.  I think that perhaps he is saying that the father will reveal "these things" to those who are not only innocent and open to them but to those who are also persistent.  Maybe, and I write this with a smile, we need to pester our Heavenly Father. 

Step #4 - Talk/Listen to God


Dear God, help me to be childlike in my faith!  Help me to be persistent in my prayer life.  Help me to be like St. Monica who pestered you for 30 years about St. Augustine.  Give me the innocence, patience, and persistence of a child, your child.

Step #5 - Bonus Step - Thanksgiving

Dear Lord, thank you for this time of prayer and meditation.  Thank you for another day to know you, to love you, and to serve you.  Thank you for all of the people joining us during these 30 days.  Help us all to grow in our love for you and one another!  If we have missed a day or are just now joining, don't let the devil derail our efforts.  Thank you for the gift of childlike faith!

Today is Wednesday, I would encourage you to pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.  Here are the Glorious Mysteries of Death.

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