Daily Readings - Mon May 06 2019
2 Timothy
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.
John
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.