Do You Hear Him Calling?

Good Shepherd Sunday Reflection – John 10:27–30

By Fr. Mark Colville, Independent Catholic Priest

Many people only go to confession a couple times a year—if that. Life gets busy. We get used to carrying our burdens quietly, believing maybe we’ve strayed too far to be welcomed back. But the truth is, the very desire to reach out to God, even in the smallest way, is already a response to His forgiveness.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

He doesn’t say the sheep are flawless. He doesn’t require them to have it all together. He simply says they hear His voice—and they return. That’s the real heart of confession. It’s not a courtroom. It’s a homecoming. Not judgment, but reunion.

I’ve sat with people who hadn’t made a confession in decades. And in just a few moments, they felt the grace they thought they’d lost. Because the Shepherd never stops calling. His love doesn’t expire. His hand is always extended.

Jesus goes on to say, “No one can take them out of my hand.”

Not your past. Not your doubts. Not even your silence.

And here’s something worth remembering: the word sin comes from an old archery term. It means to miss the mark. That’s it.

It’s not a final verdict—it’s an invitation. Jesus isn’t keeping score. He’s simply inviting us, over and over again, to take another shot. To turn around. To find the path back home.

Jesus infinitely invites us to try again—until we make our mark.

And even then, He’s still walking beside us.

So if you’re tired, if you’re unsure, if you wonder whether it’s too late to return—this Gospel is for you.

Do you hear Him calling you back to His pastures?

Not with fear, but with mercy. Not with blame, but with welcome.

You haven’t wandered too far.

He still knows your name.

And He’s calling you home.

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Traveling Light Ministries is a nonprofit Catholic ministry dedicated to healing, inclusion, and sacred support for all people—especially veterans, the LGBTQ community, and those navigating grief or spiritual trauma. Learn more at www.travelinglightmin.org.

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