Daily Readings - Sun May 07 2017
1 Peter
20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
John
1"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.2But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.5A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."6This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.7So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.8All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about following Christ and finding salvation through Him. The Second Reading from 1 Peter emphasizes Christ's example of enduring suffering without sin, calling us to patience and justice. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the door to salvation, contrasting Himself with false shepherds, and promises abundant life to those who follow Him.
The context of 1 Peter is a letter to early Christians facing persecution, urging them to endure with Christ as their model. In John's Gospel, Jesus' discourse highlights His role as the true shepherd, ensuring His followers' safety and salvation. Both readings stress the importance of following Christ's example and trusting in His divine plan.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to endure trials patiently and remain faithful to Christ's teachings. By recognizing Jesus as our true shepherd, we find guidance and protection. The moral lesson is clear: faith and trust in Christ lead to abundant life, reminding us to stay true to His path and find fulfillment in His love.