"JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD"
First Reading: Acts 13: 14,43-52
Second Reading: Apocalypse 7: 9,14-17
Gospel Reading: John 10: 27-30
*First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage narrates the missionary journeys of St. Paul and St. Barnabas. They preached the Gospel at the Jewish Synagogue at Antioch. Initially the people were receptive to the Word and responded with enthusiasm. But later some Jews conspired against them and people became hostile. Due to the opposition, Paul and Barnabas went to the gentile community (non-Jews) and preached the Word of God in their midst. Many gentiles became believers in the Lord Jesus. But some Jews incited the people against the two and they were driven out of the city.
*Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage narrates a heavenly vision of St. John where a great multitude of people who underwent persecutions and sufferings are rewarded and are received in glory to the presence of the Almighty God. They owe their victory to the care of Christ the Good Shepherd.
"My sheep hear my voice"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage describes Jesus the Good Shepherd. Some of the qualities of the Good Shepherd are mentioned in this passage.
1. "My sheep hear my voice": to be sheep of Christ's flock would mean that we are ready to listen to the Good Shepherd. There are mainly three ways in which Jesus the Good Shepherd speaks to us.
a. Through the Holy Bible. b. Through our conscience. c. Through the teachings of the Church and its legitimate authorities.
2. Jesus tells us that as a Good Shepherd, "I know them". To know the sheep means to recognize each of them and take care of them in challenging situations. Jesus knows each one of His sheep personally. In the book of Isaiah it is written, "I know you before you were born, I know you from your mother's womb". Hence the Good Shepherd protects the sheep and takes care of them.
3. The sheep follow the Good Shepherd. The sheep do not follow a stranger. But the one who takes care of them. So we are expected to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd in our daily lives.
"We were looking for a 'Good Shepherd' and instead we got a German Shepherd" - Pope Benedict XVI ( on his election as Pope)
"Too many leaders act as if the sheep ...their people...are there for the benefit of the shepherd not that the shepherd has responsibility for the sheep" - K. Blanchard.
"For he hears the lambs innocent call;
And he hears the ewes tender reply;
He is watchful while they are in peace;
For they know their Shepherd nigh". - W. Blake
First Reading: Acts 13: 14,43-52
Second Reading: Apocalypse 7: 9,14-17
Gospel Reading: John 10: 27-30
*First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. This passage narrates the missionary journeys of St. Paul and St. Barnabas. They preached the Gospel at the Jewish Synagogue at Antioch. Initially the people were receptive to the Word and responded with enthusiasm. But later some Jews conspired against them and people became hostile. Due to the opposition, Paul and Barnabas went to the gentile community (non-Jews) and preached the Word of God in their midst. Many gentiles became believers in the Lord Jesus. But some Jews incited the people against the two and they were driven out of the city.
*Second reading is from the book of Apocalypse. This passage narrates a heavenly vision of St. John where a great multitude of people who underwent persecutions and sufferings are rewarded and are received in glory to the presence of the Almighty God. They owe their victory to the care of Christ the Good Shepherd.
"My sheep hear my voice"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. This passage describes Jesus the Good Shepherd. Some of the qualities of the Good Shepherd are mentioned in this passage.
1. "My sheep hear my voice": to be sheep of Christ's flock would mean that we are ready to listen to the Good Shepherd. There are mainly three ways in which Jesus the Good Shepherd speaks to us.
a. Through the Holy Bible. b. Through our conscience. c. Through the teachings of the Church and its legitimate authorities.
2. Jesus tells us that as a Good Shepherd, "I know them". To know the sheep means to recognize each of them and take care of them in challenging situations. Jesus knows each one of His sheep personally. In the book of Isaiah it is written, "I know you before you were born, I know you from your mother's womb". Hence the Good Shepherd protects the sheep and takes care of them.
3. The sheep follow the Good Shepherd. The sheep do not follow a stranger. But the one who takes care of them. So we are expected to follow Jesus the Good Shepherd in our daily lives.
"We were looking for a 'Good Shepherd' and instead we got a German Shepherd" - Pope Benedict XVI ( on his election as Pope)
"Too many leaders act as if the sheep ...their people...are there for the benefit of the shepherd not that the shepherd has responsibility for the sheep" - K. Blanchard.
"For he hears the lambs innocent call;
And he hears the ewes tender reply;
He is watchful while they are in peace;
For they know their Shepherd nigh". - W. Blake
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