First Reading (Acts 4,8-12)
Reading of the Acts of the Apostles.
In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: “O leaders of the people and elders: today we are being questioned because we did good to a sick man and because of the way in which he was healed. Therefore, all of you and all the people of Israel: it is by the name of Jesus Christ, of Nazareth, — he whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead — that this man is healed, before you Jesus is the stone, which you, the builders, despised, and which fell. became the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved.”
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Second Reading (1 John 3:1-2)
Reading of the First Letter of Saint John.
Dear friends: See what a great gift of love the Father gave us: to be called children of God! And we are! If the world does not know us, it is because it has not known the Father. Dear friends, we are already children of God, but it has not even been revealed what we will be! We know that when Jesus appears, we will be like him, because we will see him as he is.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 10,11-18)
Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
At that time, Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. The hireling, who is not a shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, abandons the sheep and runs away, and the wolf attacks and scatters them. For he is just a mercenary and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and they know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. my life for the sheep. I also have other sheep that are not of this fold: they too I must lead; they will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. , and then receive it again. No one takes my life, I lay it down for myself;
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today we meet here, gathered as a family of faith, to reflect on the eternal truths contained in the Holy Scriptures. When we look around us, we see a world full of challenges and uncertainties. Our daily lives are full of struggles, disappointments and doubts. But it is precisely in this context that the words proclaimed in today’s biblical passages find a deep echo in our hearts.
The First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles introduces us to Peter, the fisherman who became the cornerstone of the Church. Before the authorities, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declares: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). These words resonate in our lives today, reminding us of the centrality of Jesus Christ in our faith. He is the only way, the truth and the life we seek.
In the Second Reading, taken from the First Letter of John, we are invited to contemplate the Father’s wonderful love for us: “See what a great gift of love the Father has given us: to be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Have you ever stopped to think about it? You are a beloved child of God, and He rejoices to have you as part of His family. This truth is an inexhaustible source of hope and comfort, especially when we face life’s trials.
And in the Gospel of John, we find Jesus calling himself the Good Shepherd. He tells us: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep” (John 10:11). These words evoke a powerful image in our minds: that of a shepherd who cares for his sheep with care and love. Jesus is willing to give His life for us, to sacrifice Himself on our behalf, so that we can experience true life and be rescued from the power of sin and death.
Dear brothers and sisters, these biblical passages show us the essence of our relationship with God. We are called to recognize Jesus as the only way to salvation, to marvel at the Father’s unconditional love for us, and to find refuge and protection in the heart of the Good Shepherd.
But how can we make these truths tangible in our daily lives? Allow me to share with you some stories and reflections to illustrate the practical application of these spiritual principles.
Imagine yourself as a sailor on the high seas, facing a fierce storm. Waves rise around you, threatening to engulf your small boat. In this moment of despair, a light shines on the horizon. It is the light of a lighthouse, guiding you to the safety of the port. This light represents Jesus, the only beacon that can lead us through the storms of life. When we trust Him and follow His guidance, we find security and peace, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Also think about a loving father who works tirelessly to provide for his family. He sacrifices his time, energy and resources to ensure the well-being of his loved ones. This father represents the heavenly Father’s love for us. He is willing to do anything for us, His beloved children, and His unconditional love invites us to live in a way worthy of His inheritance.
When we look to the example of the Good Shepherd, we are reminded that we are called to care for one another as Jesus cares for us. Just as He gave His life for us, we are called to sacrifice our selfish interests for the sake of others. We may ask ourselves: How can I be a good pastor in my family, in my community, and in my workplace? How can I be a living example of generosity, compassion and forgiveness? These are the questions we must ask ourselves daily, so that our actions reflect the love of Christ in our lives.
Dear brothers and sisters, the message of these biblical passages is clear and powerful. They invite us to look to Jesus as our Savior, to marvel at the Father’s love for us, and to follow the example of the Good Shepherd in our interactions with others. These principles are not merely theoretical, but have the power to transform our lives and the world around us.
Now, you may wonder: how can I apply these principles in practice? Allow me to share some clear guidelines so that we can live in accordance with the spiritual truths we have just explored.
First, we need to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. This involves dedicating time daily to prayer, reading God’s Word and meditating on his teachings. It is through this intimate relationship that we find strength, wisdom and direction to face life’s challenges.
Second, we must actively seek to reflect the Father’s love to us by becoming channels of his love to others. This means practicing empathy, kindness, and compassion in our everyday interactions. We can reach those who are suffering and in need, offering them practical help and emotional support. In doing so, we are living witnesses of the Father’s love in action.
And finally, we need to embrace the responsibility of being good shepherds in our circle of influence. This may involve leading with integrity, guiding those who are lost, forgiving those who have hurt us, and seeking reconciliation where there is division. By becoming instruments of God’s love and grace, we contribute to the construction of a more just and supportive world.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we conclude this homily, I want to remind you that the message of Scripture is an inexhaustible source of grace, love, and hope. May these words be engraved on our hearts and inspire us to live according to the teachings of Christ.
May we be strengthened in our faith, confident in the salvation we find in Jesus. May we be comforted by the Father’s love, knowing that we are his beloved children. And may we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be good shepherds, reflecting the love of Christ in all areas of our lives.
Let us pray that as we leave this place of worship, we will be light and salt to the world, spreading the Gospel message with our words and actions. May our testimony be a tangible expression of God’s love, drawing others into the Father’s welcoming embrace.
So be it. Amen.
