Sunday Mass Readings for May 12, 2019

I own 20+ pieces of St. Louis Cardinals clothing. Every morning, after my morning prayers, I check the score of the Cardinals game and watch the highlight reel. This spring I flew to Florida for just 2 days worth of Cardinals Spring Training. I’m a fan of my St. Louis Cardinals. I belong to the Cardinals fan family. 

When I see someone wearing a Cardinals hat or shirt, I almost always say something and they almost always respond as if we know each other, simply because we are both fans of the Cardinals. My wife thinks this is a little crazy, and maybe she’s right. But these people are my people. St. Louis Cardinal fans are one of my tribes. 

What tribe do you belong to? What group do you identify with? How does that help you know who you are? 

In the gospel this Sunday Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus is saying that he has followers, a group, a set of people that he has called. This group knows who Jesus is, recognizes his voice, and follows him. What do they get for doing this? Eternal life. Followers of Jesus never perish, are saved from death, and live forever with him in eternal bliss. 

As much as I love my Cardinals, they aren’t the group that is most important in my life. In fact, they aren’t even in my top 3. The question we all have to ask ourselves is, “To whom do we belong?” Which group that you belong to is most important in your life? What association is most important to you? 

Do you belong to Jesus Christ?

Live It: How do you find out who you belong to? Listen for a voice to call you. Plan for 10 minutes of silence today or tomorrow. Listen in silence for no less than 10 minutes and try to listen for the voice of Jesus. He is calling.