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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A Swift Kick from my Guardian Angel

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Wednesday, October 2nd -

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

Matthew 18:1-5, 10

In 1998 I was working for an electrical contractor as an apprentice. We were working on the airport in Columbus, OH., remodeling a large section of the concourse. Since it covered such a vast area of the airport the work needed to be done at night when traffic was low. I was not accustomed to working third-shift and it began to take a toll. Every morning, on my hour-long drive back home, I struggled to stay awake. I would roll down the window to feel the cool morning breeze or I would eat so that I was occupied and kept my mind busy. Coffee didn't have any effect. On sunny days the struggle was more intense. My body demand rest while my eyes demanded relief from the sting of the rising sun as it rose above the road before me.

One morning, as I drove home, I had run off the road a couple times only to be brought back to wakefulness by the awful sound of the groves cut in the pavement on the edge of the road. Just before I reached my exit for home I fell asleep. The fight was over, sleep and weariness had won. My car continued on minus a coherent driver. Suddenly I was brought back to my senses by a swift kick in the back of my seat. The force was of such intensity as to make me nearly slam my head on the steering wheel. I turned around in my seat expecting to see a stowaway or hitchhiker that I didn't remember picking up. The seat was empty except for my lunch box and jacket. I looked a second time and again it was empty. I stayed awake until I arrived at my home more from fear of the invisible visitor in the back seat than from falling asleep again.

Jesus tells His disciples that the angels of children look upon the face of God. We are also told that each person has assigned to him or her a guardian angel. This reality is probably one of the most neglected teachings of our faith. What a wonderful gift we have been given. We have a guide and protector who constantly ministers to us and who is always in the presence of God. Our guardian angels are not to be taken lightly. In fact, I hope that I will grow in my relationship with my angel so that I might grow closer to Christ.

Lord Jesus, help me to be more trusting, like a child. Help me to have childlike faith and understand the reality of my guardian angel. Humble me so that I may be able to speak and listen to my angel. Remove my selfishness and pride so that I might seek to have my angel be my guide and companion in life, in prayer, in death. Give me the grace to follow all of my angel's promptings be it a whisper or a kick!

FROM THE SAINTS - "Have confidence in your guardian Angel. treat him as a lifelong friend - that is what he is - and he will render you a thousand services in the ordinary affairs of each day." - Saint Josemaria Escriva The Way 562


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