The verse for the Gospel Acclamation for Sunday, August 14th is: "My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me." In referring back directly to the Gospel passage from which this is taken, one can see that Jesus speaks these words upon being questioned by Jews regarding whether or not He is the Messiah. The questioners want him to "speak plainly" regarding who He is. Jesus replies that He can be known by the works He does in His Father's name (verse 25). However, those who do not believe do not understand this. They are not among his "sheep". Just as sheep follow the voice of their shepherd, so too do those who are counted among Jesus' true followers, recognize Jesus as the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah.
The words of this week's Gospel Acclamation are taken from a passage where there is obvious division between those who know Jesus for who He is and those who do not. It is interesting that they precede today's Gospel passage-- Luke 12: 49-53, in which Jesus talks about the divisions that will surely happen in households between those who do and do not believe. Therefore, how do we ensure that we are among Jesus' "sheep," those in the "household" whose hearts are "on fire" with His love? How does anyone hear? Of course, the only way to hear is through listening. Thus, we must prayerfully listen, with our hearts, to Jesus speaking within us. We must pray increasingly that He will reveal Himself to us more and more so that we may follow His will, which is the will of the Father. Therefore, as we join our voices in praising God singing together "Alleluia," let us reflect on the words sung by the cantor: Am I one of Jesus' sheep? Will I truly listen to Him this week, or will I allow other distractions to lead me away from my Shepherd? In listening, will I follow where He leads me?
Karen P. Stolz Director of Children's Faith Formation Cathedral of St. Mary Cantor, Oboist