The voice of the shepherd

When Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for a gardener, she recognises him as soon as he says her name. It is not what he says, but the recognition of his voice that teaches her he is risen from the dead, and she runs and clings to him.

When a shepherd calls his sheep the respond, not because they understand everything he says, but because they know his voice and they move towards it. In this way they gather together round him, and he leads them out.

We too do not always fully understand the mysteries of our faith, but we recognise the voice of the Lord and that is enough for us to follow him. We follow and obey and so become close to the Lord and close to one another in spiritual communion through Jesus.

And having gathered us into unity he calls us out to do our work in the world, doing the will of Him who sent us.