Who Are You Following?

Have you ever followed someone you thought you could trust, only to feel lost or disappointed?

Maybe it was a boss who said all the right things but never really cared. Maybe it was a leader who promised change but didn’t deliver. Or maybe it was a friend or family member who wasn’t there when you needed them most.

This Sunday, the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday. It reminds us that even when people fail us, God never does. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me. I lay down my life for the sheep.”

This is not just a nice image. It is deeply personal. Jesus is not far away watching us from a distance. He walks with us. He calls us by name. He stays with us when life is hard. His leadership is not about power or control. It is about love, sacrifice, and guidance.

Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil. For you are with me.”

We all have dark valleys. It could be health problems, family struggles, job loss, or grief. These are real. But even in these moments, we are not alone. The Good Shepherd is close. He leads us through.

Good Shepherd Sunday is also a time to pray for our priests. They are called to be shepherds for the people of God.

But priests are human too. They get tired. They face temptation. They carry heavy burdens. They also need prayer, support, and encouragement.

Thomas Merton once said, “If you want to know if someone has a vocation, see if he loves God, and if he loves people.” At the very least, he must have one of these loves in his heart. From there, God will do the rest.

Being a priest today is not easy. Many serve in multiple parishes, travel long distances, and still find time to visit the sick, comfort the grieving, and hear confessions. They are often on the road, in meetings, or handling things quietly behind the scenes. They carry us in prayer, even when we don’t see it.

So today, let us pray for our priests. That they may have the grace and strength to continue serving. That they will be filled with joy and peace. And that God may call more young people to this sacred vocation.

We are also part of this mission. As baptised Catholics, we share in the priesthood of the faithful. This means we are also called to lead others to God in our daily lives. Whether we are parents, teachers, bosses or students, we can be shepherds to those around us. We can care, listen, and guide with love.

Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”
There are so many voices in our world today. Some are loud and angry. Others are full of lies. On social media, in our families, in our society, there is a lot of noise.

Be the voice of Jesus that brings peace. A voice that is gentle but firm. A voice that challenges but never condemns. A voice that comforts but also calls others to grow.

Have you heard that voice? Maybe it comes during Mass. Maybe in a quiet moment of prayer. Maybe when someone says something that touches your heart. That is not just a feeling. It is Christ, the Good Shepherd, calling you by name.

It is fitting that this year, Good Shepherd Sunday falls on Mother’s Day.

Because in many ways, our mothers reflect the love of the Good Shepherd. They know our voices. They watch over us. They sacrifice quietly, day in and day out. They carry our burdens as if they were their own.

Whether it is a mother who wakes up early to prepare breakfast, one who stays up late worrying about her children, or a grandmother who reminds the family to pray, these are the silent acts of love that guide and protect.

So today, let us draw close to Christ. Let us follow Him with trust. Let us support our priests with prayer and love. Let us thank our mothers for showing us what true love looks like.

And to all mothers, your love makes a lasting difference. Through your example of faith, your quiet prayers and the way you guide your children each day, you have the power to open their hearts to God. You may be the first voice that helps them recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd. Help them to listen. Help them to follow.

And for all of us, may we become the kind of people others can follow too. (BV)