Daily Readings - Fri May 06 2022
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 are reminded of the profound call to faithfulness and selfless love. The first reading from 2 Timothy urges us to remain steadfast in our mission, even when the world grows indifferent or hostile to the truth. Paul, nearing the end of his life, implores Timothy to fulfill his ministry with urgency and integrity, warning that a time will come when people will turn away from sound doctrine in favor of comforting lies. This passage calls us to perseverance and fidelity, no matter the challenges we face.
The Gospel from John offers a complementary message through the image of the Good Shepherd. Jesus contrasts Himself with the hired hand who flees in times of danger, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His sheep. He lays down His life for them, knowing them deeply and being known by them in return. This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of true leadership and love, which are rooted in sacrifice and genuine care. Just as the Good Shepherd knows His sheep, we are called to know and follow His voice in our lives.
Together, these readings challenge us to live with purpose and integrity. In a world that often prioritizes comfort and convenience, we are called to remain faithful to the truth, even when it is difficult. Like the Good Shepherd, we are to care for one another with selfless love, putting the needs of others before our own. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, may we strive to embody this kind of fidelity and compassion, trusting in God’s grace to guide and sustain us.