Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 6, 2019
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4.1-5
1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Psalm 96
1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Gospel: John 10.11-16
11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, leadership, and devotion. The first reading from 2 Timothy urges us to remain steadfast in our duties, preaching the word with urgency and patience, even when it is challenging. This call to perseverance is mirrored in the Gospel, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing His selfless love and dedication to His flock.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian Church, where leaders faced numerous challenges in spreading the Gospel. Paul’s letter to Timothy serves as a reminder to stay committed to one’s faith and responsibilities, while Jesus’ metaphor of the Good Shepherd highlights the depth of His love and sacrifice for His followers. Together, these passages underscore the importance of selfless service and unwavering faith.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embody the qualities of the Good Shepherd. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we should strive to lead with compassion and integrity. Just as Jesus lays down His life for His sheep, we are invited to live out our faith with love and sacrifice. This means being present for others, guiding them with patience, and remaining faithful even in difficult times.
The moral lesson here is clear: true leadership and discipleship are acts of self-giving love. As we navigate our own challenges, let us draw strength from Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and remember that our faith is a call to serve others with the same dedication and care that He has shown us. May we, like Timothy, fulfill our ministries with joy and perseverance, trusting in God’s providence to guide us.