Daily Readings - Sun May 07 2017
1 Peter
20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.22"He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
John
1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
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.