MONDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTERTIDE - 2023

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my own sheep and my own know me. JN 10:14

ACTS 11:1-18 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

It is so easy my Lord, to be critical of those in authority over us. Just as Peter was judged harshly by his fellow Jews, so also we scrutinize every word, every action, and every gesture and we are often uncharitable and unkind in our judgment because we lack faith and trust in those whom You have appointed over us. One can almost see the finger-wagging as they say to Peter, ‘So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?’ 

Peter then explains the vision that he had and what the vision meant. When we are uncertain about what is Your will for our lives we must always bring these concerns to You in prayer and You will always enlighten us so we can choose what is good, right, beautiful, and true.  Too often we judge people as being less worthy, we are critical of their culture, their language, their dress, their mannerisms, and we judge from what we see on the outside but we must train ourselves to judge as You do, You look at the heart.

All are welcome into God's Kingdom and we are commanded to ensure that they are made welcome for the Kingdom of God belongs to the whole world. Our mission is to proclaim the Good News of Salvation - repentance of sins and baptism are the means by which all can be saved.

You have given the Gift of the Holy Spirit to all whose hearts are open to receiving Him. He is eager to enter into every heart and help us as our Paraclete, Guide, and Helper. Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Holy Spirit - Come O Holy Spirit we need You.

Let us give also give glory to God. ‘God for we know that He evidently grants even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.’

JOHN 10:11-18 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

When life gets too much for us it is so easy to forget that God loved us so much He died for us. Forgive me, my Lord, for becoming despondent so readily. Too often I fail to remember that I can safely entrust my life and the lives of all I love to You because You care for our happiness, well-being, and salvation even more than we do. You died in order to ensure that all of us live not just in this life but eternally with You in heaven.

Grant us the grace to meditate and contemplate always and deeply on what You have done for us as the Good Shepherd who laid down Your life for us. The world is filled with hired helpers who scatter, divide, and despoil.  This is because, as You have said, he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep. 

Keep us safe in Your love and in Your care. Keep us safe in the protective embrace of Holy Mother Church. Thank You for the wisdom of the Church in appointing St. Joseph as its protector for he is the terror of demons. 

Thank You, Beloved, for knowing those who are Your own and that includes me and all those I love so very dearly. Thank You for taking upon Yourself my death in order that I may receive Your Life.

‘I am the good shepherd;
I know my own
and my own know me,
just as the Father knows me
and I know the Father;
and I lay down my life for my sheep.
And there are other sheep I have
that are not of this fold,
and these I have to lead as well.
They too will listen to my voice,
and there will be only one flock,
and one shepherd.’