Daily Readings - Mon May 06 2024
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 are reminded of the profound commitment required of those who follow Christ and the transformative power of selfless love. The first reading from 2 Timothy urges us to remain faithful in our mission, even when the task is difficult. Paul exhorts Timothy to preach the Word with urgency and patience, warning that there will be times when people prefer false teachings over the truth. This passage calls us to perseverance and integrity in living out our faith, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep. Unlike the hired hand who flees in times of danger, the Good Shepherd remains steadfast, demonstrating unwavering care and love. This image invites us to reflect on our own commitment to Christ and to others. Just as the Good Shepherd knows His sheep, we are called to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, listening to His voice and following His lead.
These readings challenge us to examine our lives and ask: Are we living as faithful stewards of God’s love? Do we remain loyal and steadfast, even when the path is difficult? Let us strive to imitate the Good Shepherd by loving selflessly and serving others with generosity. May we, like Paul, fulfill our mission with courage and joy, trusting in God’s grace to guide us. In doing so, we become part of the one flock under the care of the one Shepherd, united in His love and truth.