THE “DIED-FOR”
“The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” –John 10:11
Mass Readings: May 8
First: Acts 11:1-18; Resp: Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4;Gospel: John 10:11-18
Listen to the Mass Readings
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came that we “might have life more abundantly” (see Jn 10:10, RNAB). Paradoxically, life is given through death (see Jn 12:24). To give life to His sheep, Jesus the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep (Jn 10:11, 15, 17). “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life” (Jn 15:13). “It is rare that anyone should lay down his life for a just man, though it is barely possible that for a good man someone may have the courage to die. It is precisely in this that God proves His love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rm 5:7-8).
We, the “died-for,” can’t help but ask the question: “How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?” (Ps 116:12) “He died for all so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up” (2 Cor 5:15). Lay down your life in love for the crucified and risen Jesus.
PRAYER: Jesus, You gave Your life for me. I give my life for You.
PROMISE: “As I began to address them the Holy Spirit came upon them, just as It had upon us at the beginning.” –Acts 11:15
PRAISE: Norma was afraid to ask Ron, her husband, to become a Catholic. Her priest, Father Ralph, simply asked Ron if he wanted to join the Church. Ron replied that he had been wanting to join. Ron grew in his faith and received Jesus daily in the Eucharist for many years.
