and the sheep hear his voice .…
My wife has a loud, exuberant laugh. It is very pleasant and distinctive – not just to me, but to friends and colleagues who have been around her very much. I love her laugh because it is genuine and full of joy, because it brings joy to others, and because it helps me find her in large crowds. There have been many times where I found her in a crowd or located her in a room elsewhere in a building just by listening for her laugh. I move toward the laugh and then pause until she laughs again, repeating the process until I am soon at her side. This works even in noisy situations because my knowledge of her laugh allows me to hear it amid a host of other loud, distracting sounds.
Today’s Gospel reading reminds us that we need the same, or greater, level of familiarity with the voice of our Shepherd, the One who came “so that [we] might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Loving God, forgive us for our inattention. Thank you for being our gate to salvation. We want to be close to you. We want to hear you. Help us to listen constantly so that we recognize and follow your voice. Amen.
David Crawford
I was Creighton’s University Archivist from January 2007 to April 2021, although as a faculty spouse I had been a part of the Creighton community since 1995. As University Archivist, I was responsible for archival, rare books and special collections, as well as for a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible on loan to Creighton. I left Creighton to assist others with historical, archival, cultural and various artistic projects.
I have been married to my wife, Sue, since 1990. We have two sons, one a graduate of Fordham and the other a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I enjoy birdwatching, playing soccer, music and comedy.
The online Daily Reflections have been an important part of my faith journey for several years. I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to write these devotions.
