There is a show on YouTube that I love to watch. It is a singing contest. The contestant starts singing with the judges facing the other way from the stage. When the judges like what they’re hearing, when the judges like the voice, they press a button so that they can see the contestant. Yes, the show is about the Voice and is named aptly so.

Talking about the Voice, the Gospel reminds us that the sheep hear the voice of the shepherd. Three reasons why:

1. First, we live in a world wherein the right is made wrong and the wrong is made right. Further, the evildoers are very bold. Also, we lost the sense of sin. We have to listen to the voice of the Shepherd to remind us what is right and what is wrong. Never mind if society is against it, right is right.
2. Second, we forget what is important and what is fleeting in life. There is a sticker that says, “He who dies with the most number of toys wins.” But then again, what happens with the toys when one dies, and more importantly, what happens to the soul when one dies? The good shepherd reminds us that what is most important is eternal life.
3. Third, we make mistakes in life. We make a wrong turn and we lose our way because of wrong decisions, wrong people, wrong ambitions, or because of sin. We need the voice of the shepherd who will bring us right back. He is willing to leave the ninety-nine behind to find the lost sheep. 

May we always remember three shepherds in our lives:

• First, our very first shepherds, our parents. We remember all their love, sacrifices, giving, and forgiveness. 
• Second the Church and the pastors. It is the most persecuted institution because it continues to speak the truth… the inconvenient truth. 
• Third, we continue to pray, live virtuous lives, and study our faith so that we may hear the voice of God.