I heard from a priest who has traveled to the Holy Land that once you are a pilgrim to this sacred place, you have a completely new light in which to see—and hear—the Gospels. This new light comes from seeing those
places—the culture, the geography, and the people of the land—from those who make their livelihood in small villages and farms to the Bedouins (from the Arabic word “Bedu,” which means “inhabitant of the desert”) who shepherd their flocks.

In today’s Gospel of John 10:27-30, we hear from the Lord “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me…no one can take them out of my hand…” In this we hear the promise of Christ as the One who came to reveal God the Father to us, and then to invite us into a deep relationship with the Heavenly Father—a relationship that is meant to bring us to the unending joy and peace of sharing in His Divine Life.

From our American shores, can you just imagine the Bedouins looking over their flocks and protecting their herds—guarding them against predators or thieves—against lost and injury. Let’s look even further out into the deep waters and listen to what this short yet profound Gospel message means for us: I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” This is the most profound Truth—Jesus is both the revealer and the revelation of God. Christ came to show us the Father of all Creation—to bring us a living, breathing example of a loving God who created us, redeemed us, and will sustain us in His Holy Spirit. This is the revelation: God calls us to Himself, He invites us all into a deep and loving relationship, for He knows us and loves us—He desires us ;to be with Him forever; and no one can take us out of His hands. This is the amazing truth: God wants you! You are worthy. Serve Him in this world by shining His love and hope in and amongst your family and community. And He will reward you with His Divine Presence, unending joy and peace, for all eternity. We are in His hands from the very beginning…we can stay there and no one can take us away. “Follow Me,” says the Lord.