Daily Readings - Mon May 06 2024
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 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.