My sheep hear my voice;
I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.
Works may testify to Jesus. They are normal. After all, Jesus wouldn't bother with them if they didn't have a place. But the central thing that defines the people of Jesus is not that we are a people who see great works (though that is true). The main thing is that we are the people who listen to the voice of the shepherd. The voice comes to us through the Magisterium, through Scripture and Tradition, and through the Holy Spirit. It is in obedience to these that we gain security and peace in the hand of Jesus.
No one can take them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,
and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.
The Father and I are one.
So let us be encouraged. We have in fact heard this word. We are in fact the sheep of Jesus. If we "remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart" no one will be able to take us from the hand of Jesus. In his hand we are secure. In his hand there is no reason for fear, nor for doubt, nor for anxiety about anything. His grip on us is firm. He has already overcome any evil we might face.
It is by knowing how we are at this core level that makes us persuasive to others.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord.
It is by living from the truth of our identity as disciples that world is able to see what Jesus is offering.
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.
It is more than simply talking about Christianity, though of course this will happen. It is about living as people following the voice of the Good Shepherd. It is the later, more than the former, that forces the world to stop and take notice. It is the peace only Jesus can give for which all peoples long. This peace is only found when we rest secure in his hands. So let us heed the voice that is calling. Let us join together with all who obey this voice in celebration.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
"This man was born there."
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
"My home is within you."
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