Scripture: John 10:1-10

1 "For sure, I tell you, the man who goes into the sheep-pen some other way than through the door is one who steals and robs. 2 The shepherd of the sheep goes in through the door. 3 The one who watches the door opens it for him. The sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep by name and he leads them out. 4 When the shepherd walks ahead of them, they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow someone they do not know because they do not know his voice. They will run away from him." 6 Jesus told this picture-story to them. Yet they did not understand what He said.

7 Again Jesus said to them, "For sure, I tell you, I am the Door of the sheep. 8 All others who came ahead of Me are men who steal and rob. The sheep did not obey them. 9 I am the Door. Anyone who goes in through Me will be saved from the punishment of sin. He will go in and out and find food. 10 The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.

Meditation: Do you know the peace and security of the Good Shepherd who watches over his own? The Old Testament often speaks of God as shepherd of his people, Israel. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! (Psalm 80:1) We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3). The Messiah is also pictured as the shepherd of God's people: He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd who will risk his life to seek out and save the stray sheep (Matthew 18:12, Luke 15:4). He is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).

Augustine writes: “He has accomplished what he taught us: He has shown us what He commanded us to do. He laid down his own life for his sheep, that within our mystery he might change his body and blood into food, and nourish the sheep he had redeemed with the food of his own flesh. He has shown us the way we must follow, despite fear of death.  He has laid down the pattern to which we must conform ourselves. The first duty laid on us is to use our worldly goods in mercy for the needs of his sheep, and then, if necessary, give even our lives for them. He that will not give of his substance for his sheep, how shall he lay down his life for them?” (Tr. 46 in John, 5th century). Do you look to Jesus the Good Shepherd, to receive the strength and courage you need to live and serve as his disciple?

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, you always lead me in the way of peace and safety. May I never doubt your care nor stray from your ways. Keep me safe in the shelter of your presence."

Psalm 23:1-6

1 The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need.
 2 He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters.
 3 He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name.

 4 Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me.
 5 You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need.
 6 For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.