Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 6, 2021
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4.1-5
1I testify before God, and before Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead through his return and his kingdom2that you should preach the word urgently, in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke, with all patience and doctrine3For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but instead, according to their own desires, they will gather to themselves teachers, with itching ears4and certainly, they will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will be turned toward fables5But as for you, truly, be vigilant, laboring in all things. Do the work of an Evangelist, fulfilling your ministry. Show self-restraint
Psalm 96
1A Canticle of David himself, when the house was built after the captivity. Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth2Sing to the Lord and bless his name. Announce his salvation from day to day3Announce his glory among the Gentiles, his miracles among all peoples4For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. He is terrible, beyond all gods5For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, but the Lord made the heavens6Confession and beauty are in his sight. Sanctity and magnificence are in his sanctuary7Bring to the Lord, you natives of the nations, bring to the Lord glory and honor8Bring to the Lord glory for his name. Lift up sacrifices, and enter into his courts9Adore the Lord in his holy court. Let the entire earth be shaken before his face10Say among the Gentiles: The Lord has reigned. For he has even corrected the whole world, which will not be shaken. He will judge the peoples with fairness11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult; let the sea and all its fullness be moved12The fields and all the things that are in them will be glad. Then all the trees of the forest will rejoic13before the face of the Lord: for he arrives. For he arrives to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with fairness and the peoples with his truth
Gospel: John 10.11-16
11I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep12But the hired hand, and whoever is not a shepherd, to whom the sheep do not belong, he sees the wolf approaching, and he departs from the sheep and flees. And the wolf ravages and scatters the sheep13And the hired hand flees, because he is a hired hand and there is no concern for the sheep within him14I am the good Shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me15just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for my sheep16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold, and I must lead them. They shall hear my voice, and there shall be one sheepfold and one shepherd
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound responsibilities and qualities of true leadership. The Second Letter to Timothy urges us to remain steadfast in our mission, preaching the Word with urgency and patience, even when it is challenging. This passage emphasizes the importance of perseverance and fidelity in our calling, much like a shepherd tending to his flock with care and dedication.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd, who selflessly lays down His life for His sheep. This image contrasts sharply with the hired hand who abandons the flock in times of danger. Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd underscores His deep connection with His followers, knowing them as the Father knows Him. This metaphor extends to include all who will hear His voice, uniting them into one flock under His guidance.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own roles as leaders and followers. Whether in formal ministries or everyday interactions, we are called to embody the qualities of the Good Shepherd—caring, selfless, and dedicated. As we navigate our lives, let us strive to lead with compassion and integrity, trusting in God's grace to fulfill our calling. In doing so, we not only honor our responsibilities but also draw closer to the heart of Christ, the ultimate Good Shepherd.