By Father Peter Choy Wai-man
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice” [John 10:27].
Jesus speaks to a group of Jews he has just described as unbelievers. What does he mean by “hearing his voice”? Obviously, the group can hear what he is saying in a general sense. But in a more profound sense, Jesus thinks they do not.
A father had an identical twin brother, and the two were very similar in facial features, looks and demeanour. On one occasion, his three-year-old daughter was asked, “How do you distinguish between your father and your uncle?” The daughter’s first response was, “It’s easy, they don’t sound the same!” It turns out that most people would not be able to tell the difference between the brothers the first time they meet them, or even several times. But to his daughter, who trusts and knows him, their voices will not be confused.
A similar situation happens to the relationship with pets, which you will understand if you keep any. One parishioner told me that her cat “has a personality.” If other people call its name, it will just lie down on the floor and ignore that person, but when she calls her name, she immediately jumps up and walks to her with joy, making many cute faces and movements.
I believe this is what Jesus meant when he said, “My sheep hear my voice.” Because of our relationship of love and trust with Jesus, his voice is distinguishable from the crowd, as it is unique and irreplaceable. Just like when a child hears a parent’s call in the park, they recognise the parent’s voice and their love and affirmations. They respond immediately because they listen to the voice of a trusted relative.
This reflection on call and response in the Gospel of John is related to vocations in the Church and leads us to think about how to promote dialogue and resolve differences or conflicts among people, races, religions, and nations, and even in wars. Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly tried to stop the war through peace talks, but unfortunately, many rounds of negotiations have fallen through because the two sides could not listen to each other’s voices. What seems to be lacking is not a bargaining chip or guarantee but trust instead of fear in a relationship.
