Transcript
Whenever I go home to the Philippines to visit my family on holidays, my mum, Mama Cita, would always prepare or buy my favourite food, Cebuano Chorizo. My mum knows me that well. She enjoys doing that, and it’s out of love that my mum does that, not just to me, but also for my siblings. Our Mother’s love and knowledge of us these are borne out of something that I could only describe as raw, or instinctive even. And isn’t it amazing how they could sustain that love for over a long period of time, and their patience, oh my, for me, that’s almost supernatural. Obviously, I’m no mum, but as a pastor, as a shepherd to my flock, I reflected on this and asked myself, Am I as loving, as patient, and consistent and how well do I know those who are entrusted to my care? If I have to be honest, my answers to these questions make me feel like I’m a lost sheep. What I find as a source of joy that sustains me in my vocation are these three words from our Gospel reading today, words from Jesus about His sheep, He said, I know them. Yes, Jesus knows me, and He knows you. We might make all the effort and put in all the work to know Him, to study and pray, and that’s good, because we need to do that. But ultimately, it’s God who knows us. The good news is that the Good Shepherd, who made us and to whom we belong, He searches and knows us! As sheep, you and I, we can get lost along the way, and perhaps even repeatedly. But our God searches for us. Our God knows me, He knows you. And knowing that I am known and loved, this gives me joy and consolation to continue God’s work through my vocation. And I hope this message of being known and loved also encourages you continue your journey wherever God has called and sent you. It could be your family, or just even to the next person you meet. Happy Mother’s Day to all our mums! And Happy Good Shepherd Sunday!