Daily Readings - Tue May 06 2025
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 call to fidelity, integrity, and selfless love in our lives as followers of Christ. The second reading from 2 Timothy urges us to fulfill our mission with urgency and perseverance, preaching the Word of God in every season of life. St. Paul emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us grows weary of the truth and turns to false teachings. This passage is a call to vigilance and dedication, encouraging us to embrace our role as disciples and evangelists, no matter the challenges we face.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep. This image contrasts sharply with the hired hand who flees in times of danger, showing no genuine care for the flock. Jesus, on the other hand, knows his sheep intimately and is willing to sacrifice everything for their sake. This passage invites us to reflect on our relationship with Christ and our commitment to one another. Just as the Good Shepherd knows his own, we are called to know and follow Christ’s voice, trusting in his love and care for us.
Together, these readings remind us of the importance of living with integrity and perseverance in our faith. Like St. Paul, we are called to proclaim the truth with courage and patience, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. And like the Good Shepherd, we are called to care for one another with selfless love, putting the needs of others before our own. Let us ask ourselves: Are we fulfilling our mission with fidelity? Are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd and following him with trust and obedience? May we strive to live out these values in our daily lives, becoming instruments of God’s love and truth in a world that so desperately needs it.