the gate. The keeper opens the gate to him and the sheep hear his voice; he calls each of his sheep
by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them,
and the sheep follow him for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but rather they will
run away from him, because they don’t recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this comparison,
but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep. All who came were thieves and
robbers, and the sheep did not hear them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be
saved; he will go in and out freely and find food. The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy,
but I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness.
Reflect
READ: Today’s readings describe Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In the first
reading, Peter announces that all are called to repent and be baptized in Jesus’
name. The second reading reminds the baptized that they are like sheep, loved
and cared for by a shepherd who will not fail to protect his sheep, even at the
cost of his own life. The Gospel makes clear that those who follow the Good
Shepherd will know life in abundance.
REFLECT: Life in all its fullness. What a promise! Who doesn’t want a full life?
But too often we misunderstand this promise, expecting a life full of money
and power and possessions. But these worldly things do make for a full life.
Our lives are made full by love, not things. The love we give and receive, from
spouse and child, parent, sibling, and friend makes our lives full. The love we
give to our neighbors makes our lives full. By giving our lives in love for others,
we are filled beyond our imagining. Only God can fill us with his life and Spirit
and bring us to the perfect fullness of heaven.
PRAY: Good Shepherd, lead me to live in the fullness of your love.
ACT: Re-connect with a friend or family member you have not spoken to in a while.
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