The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
During a recent Bible study, I shared something I’ve struggled with for a long time: I’m not always sure I can recognize God’s voice.
Someone else will tell a story about how they heard Him loud and clear, and I’ll find myself wondering, When will it be my turn? Today’s readings brought me right back to that question—and to be honest, it often leaves me feeling like something must be wrong with me. Why don’t I hear Him like others do?
And yet…I trust Him. I really do. Which leads me to wonder: How can I trust someone whose voice I don’t seem to hear?
Do you know how a flock of sheep learns to trust their shepherd? His voice becomes familiar. They recognize it. He knows them, and they know him. He even smells like them. That’s how close he is.
Christ doesn’t lead us from afar. He knows us—individually and intimately. He knows me. I belong to Him, and no one can take that away. He leads—even when I don’t always recognize it.
So maybe the problem isn’t that He isn’t speaking. Maybe I’m just expecting His voice to sound a certain way. Could it be that I’m missing Him not because He’s silent, but because I’m only listening for what I want to hear?
Spoiler alert: It’s probably that.
Jesus humbled Himself to meet us right where we are. That’s the beauty of the Good Shepherd. And if I’m struggling to recognize His voice, maybe it means I need to slow down and listen more closely.
Read Scripture. Sit in silence. Stay open to how He might already be speaking.
Because the truth is, it’s not a matter of if He speaks: it’s a matter of how.
I’m learning to be more open. Because my Shepherd is calling.
The real question is, am I willing to listen?
Viva Crouse is a wife, mother, and Catholic fitness and nutrition coach. She's an advocate for women to become strong physically and spiritually so when God calls them to act, they can say "yes, Lord, I'm ready." When she's not chasing toddlers or changing diapers you can find her reheating creamy coffee, reading her latest book club novel, or dreaming of a salty margarita by the beach. You can find out more about what she does here!