From today’s gospel: “Jesus said: ‘My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.'"

From De La Salle’s Meditation for the Second Sunday of Easter: “The members of the flock of Jesus Christ are also obliged to hear their shepherd’s voice. It is, then, your duty to teach the children entrusted to you; this is your duty every day. Because they must understand what you say, you must give them instructions that are adapted to their capacity; otherwise, what you say will be of little use."

The daily challenge of the good shepherd metaphor, as illustrated by the Gospels and De La Salle, is the deep connection between the student and the teacher. Have I built relationships with my students so that the flock will stand together, or even help, while I try to rescue the one lost sheep? Do we know each other well enough that I know how to convey information to them in ways that will stick, or use instructional strategies that touch their hearts as well their minds? When we are stuck in class, is my relationship with my students good enough that I can ask for their help in moving forward? Can they do the same when they are lost, personally or academically?

When our students hear our voice, do they follow?

Live, Jesus, in our hearts!