A shepherd knows and cares for his sheep, because he knows they cannot care for themselves.  Shepherds lead and feed, they protect and correct.  Sheep may look beyond the confines of their pens and wonder why they can't do certain things or go certain places.  But the shepherd knows the truth.  There are many hidden dangers, pitfalls, and wolves waiting to pounce as soon as one strays outside the fold.  It is truly an unwise sheep who thinks he is smarter than the shepherd. So it is with us.  Jesus speaks to us through the Church and speaks the truth.  Anyone who listens to the truth hears His voice.  There are times when it is difficult to hear the voice of Jesus above the din of the modern world, but we are blessed with the gift of prayer, through which we can ask for clarity and understanding.  We are also blessed with mercy and forgiveness from God whenever we go astray.