Good Shepherd Sunday
Acts 13:14, 43-52, 1st Reading
Psalm 100
Revelation 7:9, 14b-17, 2nd Reading
John 10:27-30
Worship Song
Entrance
Antiphon
The earth is
full of the goodness of the Lord; by the word of the Lord the heavens were
made, alleluia. (Psalm 33:5-6)
Opening Prayer
Almighty and
ever-living God, give us new strength from the courage of Christ our shepherd,
and lead us to join the saints in heaven, where he lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. I am the good
shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me. Alleluia, alleluia.
(John 10:14)
I give my
sheep eternal life
27My sheep
hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No
one can take them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30The Father and I are one.”
Reflection
Jesus is
indeed the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for us, knows each one of us by
name, and gathers the lost even as he brings new members into the flock.
Where the
flock is, there is the Shepherd. The flock may be in difficult terrain,
experiencing terrible storms or be attacked by predators. Still the Good
shepherd is with them. If we know of someone who is looking for the Good
shepherd, invite him or her to the flock, to the Church. Here they will find
restful waters and refreshment for the soul. Whether they are on a cliff or in
a valley, here they will find the Lord’s rod and staff to give them courage.
Here they will find the table of the Lord and the anointing of the Spirit. Here
they will find the entry way to dwelling in the Lord’s house forever.
Jesus, the
Good Shepherd, has bound himself to his flock forever. Join the flock and the
Shepherd will embrace you. Embrace the Shepherd and you will join the flock.
The flock and the Shepherd, the Lord and his Church are one for good!
Reflection
Credits: Rev. S. Joseph Krempa, Captured Fire, excerpts
Prayer Response
Loving Father
and eternal Shepherd, watch over the flock redeemed by the blood of your Son
and lead us to your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Suggested Action
Surely, there
is someone you know who needs the Good Shepherd. Bring him or her into the
sheepfold.
“Christianity
is the spirit of Jesus at work in the world.” ~ Anonymous
Silencing
We
cannot know God unless we have listened to him in the silence of our hearts.
Rest in the loving arms of the Lord with an open mind and an open heart.
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