Dear Friends,
From John’s gospel, we heard this past Sunday: My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I love this passage because it helps me reflect on those I work with every day, the Joliet Firefighters.
Many times, I have told them about this passage, that they like Jesus and in fact, we are all called to be Good shepherds to each other.
In the case of firefighters, when they go into a house fire, they must be careful they must have a good sense of listing, why because the smoke can be very thinking that you cannot see anything in front of you. The firefighter like the Good Shepheard needs to hear the cries of those in need. He or She is called to save and protect. Sheep if they get lost, they panic and run, when people encounter the horrible experience of a house fire, they lose direction in the house. Children many times will run into a closet or under the bed. Many times, victims will be found just near the front door, but I lost their way.
The Firefighter is there to listen and to guide those who are lost, often in human weakness and panic care comes too late and people perish.
We need to learn in our own infirmities, to listen to those who care for us, in our case those who write letters to each other, it is a form of comfort and care!
During this awesome season of Easter may we listen to the voice of the Good Shepard leading us into faith, hope, and love for ourselves and for each other.
Please pray for our firefighters, they take chances each day for the sake of the love of neighbor.
Peace and all good,
Brother Ed Arambasich, OFM