This verse is part of a rather long discourse that uses the common metaphor of the shepherd in relation to his flock. The first person, above speaking, is Y'shua of Nazareth. The setting is Jerusalem even though the metaphor is pastoral. The time is winter and the feast of Hanuka or Dedication of the Temple remembrance and celebration. We can take the literary device of metaphor to ridiculous extremes or we can understand the quick picture it affords us as we look for the deeper significance. Granted, St. Joan d'Arc said she heard sacred audible voices leading her to protect her French Prince against the English invaders, resulting in her death and canonization. But for ordianary believers in the mystery of Incarnation, hearing the voice of our Shepherd is a heart-felt knowing His presence in our everyday experiences. How do we hear His voice? We ask Him to be our Shepherd, and He brands us as His own. Then we sit back and enjoy his presence. Shalom, Mother BE
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Photo by Ken Brin
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