Daily Readings - Wed May 06 2020
2 Timothy
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
John
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about leadership and care. The first reading from 2 Timothy urges Timothy to be a diligent and faithful preacher, enduring in his ministry despite challenges. It serves as a call to perseverance and integrity in spreading God's word. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who selflessly lays down His life for His sheep, contrasting with the hired hand who abandons his flock in danger. Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd underscores His deep care and sacrifice for His followers.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the essence of true leadership. Paul's exhortation to Timothy reflects the characteristics of the Good Shepherd, highlighting the importance of dedication and genuine concern for others. Jesus' example in the Gospel serves as the pinnacle of leadership, illustrating that true leaders prioritize the well-being of those they serve over personal gain.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace our roles as shepherds in our own circles. Whether in family, community, or workplace, we are called to lead with compassion and integrity. The moral lesson here is one of faithfulness and self-sacrifice. Just as Jesus cares for His sheep, we should strive to care for others, guiding them with patience and truth. Let us reflect on how we can embody these qualities, ensuring our actions and decisions align with the love and dedication exemplified by the Good Shepherd.