Daily Readings - Sun May 07 2017
Second Reading - 1 Peter 2.20b-25
1 Peter
20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Gospel - John 10.1-10
John
1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.6This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more 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.