First Reading – Acts of the Apostles 4: 8 – 12 (50B)

Peter explained to the people that every good deed and all restoration to health are accomplished in the name of Christ Jesus the Nazorean, through whom all are saved.

Second Reading – 1 John 3: 1 – 2

Believers are the dearly beloved children of God who do not yet know what shall come to light. When it does come to light, believers will be like God.

Gospel – John 10: 14

Jesus is the good shepherd who knows the sheep. The Good Shepherd not only loves and protects the sheep but is willing to lay down his life for the sheep.

Reflection of the Week

In today’s gospel reading, we hear Jesus call Himself the Good Shepherd. He loves and cares for us like a shepherd cares for His sheep — taking care of their every need and leading them along the right path. In fact, so much does He care for us, that Jesus says, “I would lay down my life for my sheep.”

Of course, we know that He did in fact do that. We just celebrated the paschal mystery, in which Jesus gave himself up to death for our sake. And as we continue to celebrate the Easter Season and rejoice in His glorious redirection, we recognize that Christ’s loving care for us extends to today. He is actively involved in the life of the Church, providing for all of our needs and guiding us along our way.

In response to Christ’s life-giving love, it is our responsibility as His disciples to give ourselves to Him. We offer Him our time, talent, and treasure — truly, we offer Him our whole lives in thanksgiving for all He has done for us. As His disciples, it is our calling, our responsibility to use our lives for His greater glory. Everything we do —at home, at school, at work, and elsewhere — should glorify the Good Shepherd and call others to believe in His loving care.