April 22, 2024 - Mon. of 4th Week of Easter
May you know the loving care of the GOoD Shepherd Who leads you to safety and provides for your needs.
How often we hear that “The LORD is my Shepherd.” Psalm 23 is probably the most commonly known and used psalm. It is used to remind us that we are in the loving care of the GOoD Shepherd Who leads us. We, in turn, must be willing to follow the GOoD Shepherd, so that we can enjoy the benefits that GOD has in store for us. We also must see how the GOoD Shepherd leads, so that when we are in roles of leadership, we can model our behavior on Jesus’ way of lovingly shepherding His flock, even to the point of laying down our lives for those entrusted to our care as Jesus did for His whole flock.
I pray today for all who are, or have been leaders, especially the first responders and medical first line personnel, civil and church leaders, teachers, and parents.
May you know the loving care of the GOoD Shepherd Who leads you to safety and provides for your needs.
How often we hear that “The LORD is my Shepherd.” Psalm 23 is probably the most commonly known and used psalm. It is used to remind us that we are in the loving care of the GOoD Shepherd Who leads us. We, in turn, must be willing to follow the GOoD Shepherd, so that we can enjoy the benefits that GOD has in store for us. We also must see how the GOoD Shepherd leads, so that when we are in roles of leadership, we can model our behavior on Jesus’ way of lovingly shepherding His flock, even to the point of laying down our lives for those entrusted to our care as Jesus did for His whole flock.
I pray today for all who are, or have been leaders, especially the first responders and medical first line personnel, civil and church leaders, teachers, and parents.
Readings can be obtained from: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042224.cfm
Saint Adalbert of Prague: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague [Feast Day tomorrow, April 23]
Readings: Acts 11: 1-18; Psalm 42: 2-3; 43: 3, 4; John 10: 1-10
Today’s First Reading relates St. Peter’s entering the home of Gentiles and eating with them. Up until this point, all the Christians were either Jews or converts to Judaism. Peter defends his action by relating a vision he had and another vision that a Gentile had. This is a third “Pentecost” in that the Holy Spirit is being given to the Gentiles. [The first Pentecost was to the Jews in Jerusalem; the second was to Jews and Samaritans in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.]
The psalm today reminds us that what the center of our life should be – searching to know and follow GOD more and more. That is where true peace and happiness can be found.
The Gospel today is the first part of the section from St. John’s Gospel verses about the GOoD Shepherd, of which we heard later verses proclaimed yesterday. Today Jesus tells us that as the GOoD Shepherd, He calls His sheep, and they listen for His voice and follow Him. He is also the Sheep Gate, that which (Who) protects the sheep within the sheep pen and also lets them out to find safe pasture.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how often those called to leadership and positions of authority get caught up in the wrong ideas of what leadership is all about. Leadership means doing whatever is necessary so that those who are being led can arrive safely at their destination and can be provided for by the leader. The leader must be willing to do anything for the sake of those being led, as long as it fits into GOD’s plan. St. Peter found this out in the First Reading. In his vision, he saw something like a large tarp being lowered down before him. In the canvas there were many animals that were considered to be unclean for Jews, and therefore, unfit to be eaten. Peter is told to slaughter and eat the animals. Being the “faithful Jew” that he was, Peter refused to eat the “unclean” food. In response he was told, “What GOD says is clean,
is okay to eat.” Typical for Peter, being told this once was not enough. He had to hear it three times.
About the same time a Gentile (non-Jew) had a vision of a man named Simon Peter coming to him so that he and his household might have salus (healing, salvation). When Peter does arrive and starts to teach, the Holy Spirit is made manifest and bestows the divine gifts on the Gentiles, just as the Holy Spirit had done on the Apostles on Pentecost. Peter finally understands his vision of GOD telling him to eat the unclean animals. When GOD bestows the divine gifts on people, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, they are part of GOD’s Chosen and Holy People, part of GOD’s family. The relationship with GOD is what is important, not adherence to some particular set of rules and regulations. Those called to lead must seek to draw others into a closer relationship with GOD and not put roadblocks in the way of that relationship.
In a similar way, Jesus, in today’s Gospel, says that He is the Sheep Gate. In the time of Jesus, shepherds would bring their sheep into something like a corral or pen at night. It was an enclosure with an opening. The enclosure would protect the sheep from wild animals and thieves. The shepherds would lead the sheep through the opening. One of the shepherds would then sleep in the opening of the enclosure and would be the “gate” to protect the sheep from leaving and also prevent anyone or any animal from coming into the pen in order to take the sheep. Obviously, if a thief wanted to steal the sheep, he would have to climb over the walls of the enclosure rather than try to pass over the human “gate” in the entrance.
First, the challenge for all of us is to look at our role as sheep and our role, if we have one, as shepherds-leaders. Are we at peace knowing that Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, is laying down His life to protect us. He guards the entrance so that no one will come in to take us and also to prevent us from wandering away from His safety during the darkness of night. We can rest, having been assured that Jesus is with us and He is guarding us. He is aware of any dangers that might try to sneak over the safety He provides. Thus, He protects us from harm, even to the point of laying down His life for us – His sheep.
Secondly, if we are in the position of being a leader, whether that be at home, at school, at work, at church, or anywhere else, we need to see how we are leading. Do we know the people who have been entrusted to us? Are we interested in their well-being as much as we are in getting the job done? Are we true leaders, that is, do we walk in such a way that invites others to follow? Do we set an example of what must be done and how to do it? Are we willing to lay down our lives for the sake of those whom we are leading, or would we rather “sacrifice” one of our flock, so that we don’t have to face the dangers of ravenous wolves or thieves? Do we stand guard to protect those entrusted to our care? And are we imitators of the GOoD Shepherd and His way of leading the flock?
Thus, the readings challenge us to look at what is the driving force behind our behavior. We are called to seek first the relationship with GOD (our own relationship and others’ relationship with GOD). That has to have a higher priority than rules and regulations. In seeking that relationship, we will follow the lead of our GOoD Shepherd – we will get to know His voice and allow Him to come into our lives. And if we are given the privilege of leadership, we will imitate the GOoD Shepherd and seek the well-being of those whom we are called to lead. And we will only lead in a way that leads to the one GOoD Shepherd Who seeks to have all in the one flock. We will not feel threatened by the true leadership of others who are also seeking to lead others to the one flock of the one GOoD Shepherd. And we will pray for the unity of all the sheep under the perfect leadership of Jesus, “The GOoD Shepherd.”
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who is ever desiring a closer relationship with us. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us Your Son as our GOoD Shepherd. In His life and ministry, He wanted only one thing: that we become united with Him and with You and the Holy Spirit. He continues to seek our GOoD and wants to lead us to the best pasture where we will enjoy the fullness of life that You have in store for us. He protects us from those who would do us harm and is willing to lay down His life for us. We have not always listened to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd, but we have listened to false shepherds who offer false promises and who lead us astray. Yet, Your Son, the GOoD Shepherd, continues to search us out as we stray from the one flock. We come as sheep in need of the GOoD Shepherd. We also pray for those among us whom You have called to be leaders and shepherds in the name of the GOoD Shepherd. We ask that they may truly imitate the devotion and sense of service that the GOoD Shepherd has for the sheep. May all who take on leadership roles realize their blessed privilege in being able to lead others to the GOoD Shepherd. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our GOoD Shepherd, Who is our personal leader and Who has given His life for us, the members of His flock, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Like a Shepherd, BobDufford, S.J.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJXi_wXLi4
Shepherd Me, O GOD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0kxWXHETlU
Psalm 42: As the Deer by Jason Silver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfN153TaEq0
Psalm 42: As the Deer Longs by Danna Harkin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ03t3pqesA
Video of the Day: SAINT OF THE DAY | Saint Adalbert of Prague:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cva3rt_D7c8
Book Suggestion: Joshua and the Shepherd by Fr. Joseph Girzone - This was a book read by the Book Club to which I belong.
© rjk, 11-28-22
Saint Adalbert of Prague: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-adalbert-of-prague [Feast Day tomorrow, April 23]
Readings: Acts 11: 1-18; Psalm 42: 2-3; 43: 3, 4; John 10: 1-10
Today’s First Reading relates St. Peter’s entering the home of Gentiles and eating with them. Up until this point, all the Christians were either Jews or converts to Judaism. Peter defends his action by relating a vision he had and another vision that a Gentile had. This is a third “Pentecost” in that the Holy Spirit is being given to the Gentiles. [The first Pentecost was to the Jews in Jerusalem; the second was to Jews and Samaritans in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.]
The psalm today reminds us that what the center of our life should be – searching to know and follow GOD more and more. That is where true peace and happiness can be found.
The Gospel today is the first part of the section from St. John’s Gospel verses about the GOoD Shepherd, of which we heard later verses proclaimed yesterday. Today Jesus tells us that as the GOoD Shepherd, He calls His sheep, and they listen for His voice and follow Him. He is also the Sheep Gate, that which (Who) protects the sheep within the sheep pen and also lets them out to find safe pasture.
As I reflect on the readings, I realize how often those called to leadership and positions of authority get caught up in the wrong ideas of what leadership is all about. Leadership means doing whatever is necessary so that those who are being led can arrive safely at their destination and can be provided for by the leader. The leader must be willing to do anything for the sake of those being led, as long as it fits into GOD’s plan. St. Peter found this out in the First Reading. In his vision, he saw something like a large tarp being lowered down before him. In the canvas there were many animals that were considered to be unclean for Jews, and therefore, unfit to be eaten. Peter is told to slaughter and eat the animals. Being the “faithful Jew” that he was, Peter refused to eat the “unclean” food. In response he was told, “What GOD says is clean,
is okay to eat.” Typical for Peter, being told this once was not enough. He had to hear it three times.
About the same time a Gentile (non-Jew) had a vision of a man named Simon Peter coming to him so that he and his household might have salus (healing, salvation). When Peter does arrive and starts to teach, the Holy Spirit is made manifest and bestows the divine gifts on the Gentiles, just as the Holy Spirit had done on the Apostles on Pentecost. Peter finally understands his vision of GOD telling him to eat the unclean animals. When GOD bestows the divine gifts on people, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, they are part of GOD’s Chosen and Holy People, part of GOD’s family. The relationship with GOD is what is important, not adherence to some particular set of rules and regulations. Those called to lead must seek to draw others into a closer relationship with GOD and not put roadblocks in the way of that relationship.
In a similar way, Jesus, in today’s Gospel, says that He is the Sheep Gate. In the time of Jesus, shepherds would bring their sheep into something like a corral or pen at night. It was an enclosure with an opening. The enclosure would protect the sheep from wild animals and thieves. The shepherds would lead the sheep through the opening. One of the shepherds would then sleep in the opening of the enclosure and would be the “gate” to protect the sheep from leaving and also prevent anyone or any animal from coming into the pen in order to take the sheep. Obviously, if a thief wanted to steal the sheep, he would have to climb over the walls of the enclosure rather than try to pass over the human “gate” in the entrance.
First, the challenge for all of us is to look at our role as sheep and our role, if we have one, as shepherds-leaders. Are we at peace knowing that Jesus, the GOoD Shepherd, is laying down His life to protect us. He guards the entrance so that no one will come in to take us and also to prevent us from wandering away from His safety during the darkness of night. We can rest, having been assured that Jesus is with us and He is guarding us. He is aware of any dangers that might try to sneak over the safety He provides. Thus, He protects us from harm, even to the point of laying down His life for us – His sheep.
Secondly, if we are in the position of being a leader, whether that be at home, at school, at work, at church, or anywhere else, we need to see how we are leading. Do we know the people who have been entrusted to us? Are we interested in their well-being as much as we are in getting the job done? Are we true leaders, that is, do we walk in such a way that invites others to follow? Do we set an example of what must be done and how to do it? Are we willing to lay down our lives for the sake of those whom we are leading, or would we rather “sacrifice” one of our flock, so that we don’t have to face the dangers of ravenous wolves or thieves? Do we stand guard to protect those entrusted to our care? And are we imitators of the GOoD Shepherd and His way of leading the flock?
Thus, the readings challenge us to look at what is the driving force behind our behavior. We are called to seek first the relationship with GOD (our own relationship and others’ relationship with GOD). That has to have a higher priority than rules and regulations. In seeking that relationship, we will follow the lead of our GOoD Shepherd – we will get to know His voice and allow Him to come into our lives. And if we are given the privilege of leadership, we will imitate the GOoD Shepherd and seek the well-being of those whom we are called to lead. And we will only lead in a way that leads to the one GOoD Shepherd Who seeks to have all in the one flock. We will not feel threatened by the true leadership of others who are also seeking to lead others to the one flock of the one GOoD Shepherd. And we will pray for the unity of all the sheep under the perfect leadership of Jesus, “The GOoD Shepherd.”
- The personal question/action for today: When I think of the flock of the Lord Jesus, where do I see myself? Am I a peace-filled member of the flock who follows the lead of the GOoD Shepherd, or am I the wayward sheep who goes my own way and gets lost? Do I see myself as a thief trying to snatch others away from the care of the GOoD Shepherd? Do I pattern my leadership on that of the GOoD Shepherd Who is willing to lay down His life for the sheep? Am I willing to be a shepherd who will guard all those who are in the flock? How can I more faithfully shepherd and care for those whom GOD places in my care?
Blessed are You, LORD GOD, the One Who is ever desiring a closer relationship with us. Through Your GOoDness, You have given us Your Son as our GOoD Shepherd. In His life and ministry, He wanted only one thing: that we become united with Him and with You and the Holy Spirit. He continues to seek our GOoD and wants to lead us to the best pasture where we will enjoy the fullness of life that You have in store for us. He protects us from those who would do us harm and is willing to lay down His life for us. We have not always listened to the voice of the GOoD Shepherd, but we have listened to false shepherds who offer false promises and who lead us astray. Yet, Your Son, the GOoD Shepherd, continues to search us out as we stray from the one flock. We come as sheep in need of the GOoD Shepherd. We also pray for those among us whom You have called to be leaders and shepherds in the name of the GOoD Shepherd. We ask that they may truly imitate the devotion and sense of service that the GOoD Shepherd has for the sheep. May all who take on leadership roles realize their blessed privilege in being able to lead others to the GOoD Shepherd. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our GOoD Shepherd, Who is our personal leader and Who has given His life for us, the members of His flock, and Who is living and reigning with You and the Holy Spirit, our one and only GOD, for ever and ever. Amen. Alleluia!
Song of the Day: Like a Shepherd, BobDufford, S.J.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSJXi_wXLi4
Shepherd Me, O GOD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0kxWXHETlU
Psalm 42: As the Deer by Jason Silver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfN153TaEq0
Psalm 42: As the Deer Longs by Danna Harkin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ03t3pqesA
Video of the Day: SAINT OF THE DAY | Saint Adalbert of Prague:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cva3rt_D7c8
Book Suggestion: Joshua and the Shepherd by Fr. Joseph Girzone - This was a book read by the Book Club to which I belong.
© rjk, 11-28-22