This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, April 30th is from John 10:1-10
“Jesus said: ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. . .Whoever enters through me will be saved. . .I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.’”
Reflection: “Jesus describes himself as the gate to the sheepfold. The gate serves two purposes. Closed, it protects the sheep in the sheepfold from robbers and predators; open, it allows the sheep to come and go in response to the sound of their shepherd’s voice. Jesus is stronger than any gate, better able to protect the sheep from harm. And Jesus is more forgiving and loving than any gate, welcoming the lost and caring for the hurting.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Summer 2023
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
Monday Acts 11:1-18; John 10:11-18
Tuesday Acts 11:19-26; John 10:22-30
Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial) – Athanasius became one of the most dedicated opponents of the heresy of Arianism. Much of his life was a testimony to the divinity of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14
Saints Philip and James, Apostles (Feast) – Philip and James were apostles of Jesus. The choice of Philip as a disciple is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John’s gospel records several conversations between Jesus and Philip. James, the son of Alphaeus, is called “James the Less” (to differentiate from the other St. James, son of Zebedee). He is mentioned in Mark and in Acts.
Thursday Acts 13:13-25; John 13:16-20
Friday Acts 13:26-33; John 14:1-6
Saturday Acts 13:44-52; John 14:7-14
SOURCE: Living with Christ, May 2023