Daily Readings - Tue May 06 2025
2 Timothy
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
John
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 call to fidelity, integrity, and selfless love in our lives as followers of Christ. The second reading from 2 Timothy urges us to fulfill our mission with urgency and perseverance, preaching the Word of God in every season of life. St. Paul emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us grows weary of the truth and turns to false teachings. This passage is a call to vigilance and dedication, encouraging us to embrace our role as disciples and evangelists, no matter the challenges we face.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep. This image contrasts sharply with the hired hand who flees in times of danger, showing no genuine care for the flock. Jesus, on the other hand, knows his sheep intimately and is willing to sacrifice everything for their sake. This passage invites us to reflect on our relationship with Christ and our commitment to one another. Just as the Good Shepherd knows his own, we are called to know and follow Christ’s voice, trusting in his love and care for us.
Together, these readings remind us of the importance of living with integrity and perseverance in our faith. Like St. Paul, we are called to proclaim the truth with courage and patience, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. And like the Good Shepherd, we are called to care for one another with selfless love, putting the needs of others before our own. Let us ask ourselves: Are we fulfilling our mission with fidelity? Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd and following him with trust and obedience? May we strive to live out these values in our daily lives, becoming instruments of God’s love and truth in a world that so desperately needs it.