Open with a prayer: Jesus, you are our Good Shepherd who calls us by name. You lead us to the rich pastures of your Word. Open our hearts today that we may hear the Word you wish us to hear as we gather in your name. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen
Sharing of life: Share a 'moment of grace' you experienced since you last met.
Facilitator reads focus statement: The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings in all three cycles use images of sheep and shepherd to explore the relationship between Jesus and those who belong to him. In today's second reading and gospel, Jesus is portrayed as shepherd and lamb who cares for his flock. In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas preach the Good News. The Jews reject it, but the Gentiles receive it with joy.
Consider reading the commentary after you read each reading if you have not done so prior to your meeting.
FIRST READING: Acts 13:14, 43-52
In the early chapters of Acts, Peter has center stage. In the later chapters, Paul's missionary journeys are highlighted. During these journeys, Paul always tried to reach his own people first. Hence, the reference to him preaching in the Synagogue. Only when his own people rejected him, did he turn to the Gentiles. When Paul started to draw big crowds, the Jewish leaders became jealous of him and Barnabas and threw them out of town. But neither Paul nor Barnabas were easily quieted. "Both spoke out boldly." Jesus, and his disciples, usually shook the dust from their feet when they returned to Israel from territory. For Paul and Barnabas to perform the same gesture against fellow Jews was like saying that their rejection of Jesus and the Good News preached by his disciples had reduced them to godlessness.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 100
This is a psalm of thanksgiving to God for his goodness to Israel - a suitable psalm for Paul and Barnabas as they saw the Gentiles open their hearts to the Gospel.
SECOND READING: Revelation 7:9, 14-17
In this reading we have Jesus, the victorious Lamb, surrounded by a huge crowd of people from every nation who, on earth, listened to the voice of the Good Shepherd and followed his ways despite difficulties and persecutions. Because of their faithfulness to Jesus, they will be safe forever and share in his divine life.
GOSPEL: John 10:27-30
In today's Gospel, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, speaks of his relationship with his flock and with his Father. Jesus' flock are those who hear his voice and follow it. Then Jesus makes two bold promises. He will give eternal life to those who are his sheep, and he will not allow anyone to take them away from him - assuming of course that they continue to listen to his voice. Because Jesus has power over death, he can offer his followers eternal life. Those who heed his voice will never perish, nor will they be snatched away from him.
FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS
1. What verse, image or idea spoke to you in the readings? Why?
2. This week we have another wonderful example of fearless preaching. Name obstacles from within or without that block you or others from fearlessly sharing God's word.
3. What helps you to hear Jesus' voice in the midst of the sounds that compete for your attention?
4. What does the church need to do to increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life?
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
Name one way you can act on today's readings. Suggestions: Pray that church leaders will hear correctly what the Spirit may be saying to them about the priestly vocation crisis. Pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION
Include prayers for all clergy, religious brothers and sisters and an increase of vocations. Especially pray for priests and sisters who minister in very difficult and dangerous parts of the world. ©