“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10 : 11
Readings this week : Acts 4 : 5 - 12; 1 John 3 : 16 - end; John 10 : 11 - 18
Thought for this week
Hearing the Gospel reading of Jesus the Good Shepherd reminds us that Jesus’ flock consists of people from all nationalities and backgrounds, including different circumstances, ethnicities and languages. Yet the Scriptures tell us that through belonging to Jesus , through His Cross and Resurrection, we all hear His voice and are called to follow Him. Whatever language is ours, we all hear His voice.
Moreover as humans we are all vulnerable, needing comfort and care, needing guidance and assurance, needing the Good Shepherd. Whatever our circumstances, including those whose lives are comfortable and even opulent, to those who live in poverty and hardship, we are all in need of the care and protection of the Good Shepherd. We are all prone to wander, vulnerable to danger, exposed to the malicious and darker forces in this world.
We have a Good Shepherd who saw we needed a rescue, forgiveness, cleansing and hope. Jesus has laid down His life for us, not only in an incredible act of sacrifice and loving commitment, but also to gather us, as people. To be one flock, He is the Good Shepherd who is the source of all that is good in our lives. Praise Him!
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
Risen Christ, faithful shepherd of your Father’s sheep:
teach us to hear your voice and to follow your command,
that all your people may be gathered into one flock,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen
People to pray for
For our churches, for our Annual meetings, and as we look to the way forward.
For those discerning the call of the Lord on their lives