Fourth Sunday of Easter: Listen to My Voice

We continue the sensory journey through Eastertide and come to hearing this week. In Jesus’ parable of the good shepherd, he says that the sheep listen to his voice. He is speaking of those in front of him and those of other folds. Who are these others? We don’t really know. There is lots of speculation about who these other folds might represent. But the truth is, we don’t know. Jesus often hints that determining who is in and who is out is not really our job. We are to invite and include as widely as possible. We also celebrate the Festival of God’s Creation. April 22 is Earth Day, and we can hear the voice of God through the natural world. If we are to take seriously hearing God through the world around us, then we have to take seriously the care of the planet. Let us worship with ears to listen.