Daily Readings - Wed May 06 2020
2 Timothy
1I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
John
11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.13He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about leadership and care. The first reading from 2 Timothy urges Timothy to be a diligent and faithful preacher, enduring in his ministry despite challenges. It serves as a call to perseverance and integrity in spreading God's word. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who selflessly lays down His life for His sheep, contrasting with the hired hand who abandons his flock in danger. Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd underscores His deep care and sacrifice for His followers.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the essence of true leadership. Paul's exhortation to Timothy reflects the characteristics of the Good Shepherd, highlighting the importance of dedication and genuine concern for others. Jesus' example in the Gospel serves as the pinnacle of leadership, illustrating that true leaders prioritize the well-being of those they serve over personal gain.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace our roles as shepherds in our own circles. Whether in family, community, or workplace, we are called to lead with compassion and integrity. The moral lesson here is one of faithfulness and self-sacrifice. Just as Jesus cares for His sheep, we should strive to care for others, guiding them with patience and truth. Let us reflect on how we can embody these qualities, ensuring our actions and decisions align with the love and dedication exemplified by the Good Shepherd.