ACC ~ John 10 v27

THE VOICE OF THE SHEPHERD

AUGUSTINE: What is the voice of the shepherd? “And that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name throughout all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” [1] There is the voice of the shepherd. Recognize it and follow if you are a sheep. SERMON 46.32. [2]

[1] Lk 24:47.

[2] WSA 3 2:284-85.

HUMANITY MYSTICALLY UNITED TO CHRIST IF THEY OBEY

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The mark of Christ’s sheep is their willingness to hear and obey, just as disobedience is the mark of those who are not his. We take the word hear to imply obedience to what has been said. People who hear God are known by him. No one is entirely unknown by God, but to be known in this way is to become part of his family. Therefore, when Christ says, “I know mine,” he means I will receive them and give them a permanent mystical relationship with myself.

It might be said that inasmuch as he has become man, he has made all human beings his relatives, since all are members of the same race. We are all united to Christ in a mystical relationship because of his incarnation. Yet those who do not preserve the likeness of his holiness are alienated from him…. “My sheep follow me,” says Christ. By a certain God-given grace, believers follow in the footsteps of Christ. No longer subject to the shadows of the law, they obey the commands of Christ and guided by his words rise through grace to his own dignity, for they are called “children of God.” [1] When Christ ascends into heaven, they also follow him. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 7.1. [2]

[1] Mt 5:9.

[2] LF 48:99-100**.