Held in His Hand
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says:
“The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from my hand.” (John 10:27–28)
There’s something quietly profound in these words. Jesus speaks not of crowds or categories, but of relationship. We are not just part of a flock. We are known, known by name, by story, by struggle. And because we are known, we are loved. Held in his hand, nothing can tear us away.
That reassurance is deeply comforting and deeply personal. Jesus adds, “They follow me.” Being a disciple isn’t just about belonging; it’s about choosing. Choosing to listen, to trust, to follow even when the path is uncertain.
In the first reading from Acts, Paul and Barnabas show us what this looks like. Rejected by some, they don’t retaliate or retreat. Instead, they remind themselves of their mission:
“I have made you a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach the remotest parts of the earth”.
That same call extends to us. Being light doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means showing kindness where there is bitterness, speaking truth where there is silence, and carrying hope where there is despair.
Revelation offers a glimpse of where this leads: a great crowd, from every nation, standing in joy before the Lamb. No more hunger, no more tears. Just peace. And the Lamb himself is Jesus their Shepherd.
That’s the promise. But it begins now. It begins in the way we listen for his voice, and in the courage we find to follow it.
So this week, let’s take a moment to pause, to listen, to be still. Let’s remember:
We are known by God, called to be light, and held in love.
And let us pray for ears to hear his voice wherever it may lead.
Ajith Nissangaratchie – Parish Pastoral Council Chair
