By Deacon Sid

November 16, 2024

The Maronite Church marked this week the Sunday of the Renewal of the church, the second Sunday in our liturgical calendar, building upon last week’s Sunday of the Consecration of the church. To consecrate something to God is to set it apart for his glory; as God’s people, we too are consecrated and called to reflect his light in the world.

In her wisdom, the church offers this Sunday of Renewal as an opportunity to pause and examine our spiritual lives—where we are, where we have been, and how we are striving toward eternal life. It is a time to set a kind of “spiritual New Year’s resolution,” acknowledging that, just as a person at 40 is not the same as they were at 10 or 20, our spiritual lives are also called to grow and mature.

In the Gospel reading (John 10:22-42), Jesus speaks to us as the Good Shepherd, inviting us to reflect on what it means to hear his voice and follow him. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This is a call to relationship, one grounded in trust and familiarity. Jesus is not a distant figure or a vague spiritual concept; he is the one who knows us intimately: our strengths, weaknesses, joys, and fears. This reminder of God’s personal and specific love is especially powerful in today’s noisy world, where so many voices compete for our attention.

We sometimes feel lost in life’s complexities, unsure of which way to turn amidst the clamour of competing voices. The world’s busy-ness, fear, doubt, guilt, and the opinions of others can overwhelm us. Social media and constant streams of information add to the noise, making it difficult to discern truth from falsehood. Yet Jesus is always calling us back, offering his guidance.

Jesus frequently retreated to quiet places to pray. Prayer, both formal and informal, is an ongoing conversation with God. By setting aside even a few minutes each day for silence, we create space to hear his voice. In moments of doubt or difficulty, seek his presence and ask, “What do you want for me today, Lord? How can I follow you?”

Christ also often speaks through our conscience, guiding us toward what is right and away from harm. Before making choices, pausing and asking, “What would Jesus want me to do?” helps us stay on the Shepherd’s path.

The Bible is a primary way Jesus communicates with us. Reading even a brief passage each day can illuminate his teachings and make his voice more familiar. It helps us to reflect on what he is saying and how it applies to our relationships and challenges.

Surrounding ourselves with friends and mentors who encourage our walk with Christ is vital. As the saying goes, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Just as Jesus’ disciples relied on each other, we too need the support of faithful companions. Often, God’s voice comes to us through the love and wisdom of those around us.

Acts of kindness, whether volunteering, helping a friend, or being present for someone in need, align our hearts with his and attune us to his guidance. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, served with compassion, and serving others allows his presence to become more tangible in our own lives.

When we hear and follow the voice of Jesus, we come to share in the unity he speaks of in the Gospel: “The Father and I are one.” This unity reveals his divine identity and shows us that his miracles, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice are expressions of the Father’s love. To “hear” his voice is more than recognition; it is a call to action. As we celebrate the Renewal of the church, we are each invited to live out the Gospel in our daily lives, bringing God’s love and mercy to our families, communities, and the wider world.

In reflecting on the struggles faced by our brothers and sisters in Lebanon and the challenges within our own communities, we see that the renewal of the church begins within our hearts. Saint Ambrose once said, “Where a man’s heart is, there also is his ear.” When our hearts are centred on Christ, our ears are attuned to his voice, and we find the strength to walk in his way.

As we mark this Sunday of Renewal of the church, let us renew our relationship with the Good Shepherd. May we learn to hear his voice more clearly, follow his path, and live out his message. In doing so, may our lives reflect the love of Christ, who knows us by name and promises that no one can take us from his hand.