WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST JESUS

MONDAY WEEK FOUR OF EASTER: CHRIST THE GATE OF THE SHEEPFOLD

First Reading Acts 11:1-18

 God can grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life

The apostles and the brothers in Judaea heard that the pagans too had accepted the word of God, and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the Jews criticised him and said, ‘So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?’ Lectures, Readings

Peter in reply gave them the details point by point: ‘One day, when I was in the town of Jaffa,’ he began ‘I fell into a trance as I was praying and had a vision of something like a big sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. This sheet reached the ground quite close to me. I watched it intently and saw all sorts of animals and wild beasts everything possible that could walk, crawl or fly. Then I heard a voice that said to me, “Now, Peter; kill and eat!” But I answered: Certainly not, Lord; nothing profane or unclean has ever crossed my lips. And a second time the voice spoke from heaven, “What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane.” This was repeated three times, before the whole of it was drawn up to heaven again.  Reflections

‘Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; they had been sent from Caesarea to fetch me, and the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going back with them. The six brothers here came with me as well, and we entered the man’s house. He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house who said, “Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter; he has a message for you that will save you and your entire household.” 

‘I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” I realised then that God was giving them the identical thing he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God’s way?’ 

This account satisfied them, and they gave glory to God. ‘God’ they said ‘can evidently grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.’

Responsorial Psalm: My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life

Gospel John 10:1-10  I am the gate of the sheepfold

Jesus said:   ‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’

Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them.

So Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I tell you most solemnly, I am the gate of the sheepfold. All others who have come are thieves and brigands; but the sheep took no notice of them.

I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe: he will go freely in and out and be sure of finding pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’

My Father, we are one in Christ. My God  forgive me for wrong perception of things, views and opinion that leads to discrimination, judgment, condemnation, criticism. Give me an open mind and heart. Fill me with your Holy Spirit to enlighten me that I may have a high spiritual perception in all aspect of life. Give me wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety and the fear of you. The seven gift of the Holy Spirit will direct my actions toward my fellow creatures. I will accept all your creatures knowing that we are one. We are created in your image and likeness. Holy Spirit come and instruct me. 

Spirit of God enlighten me to understand the teachings of Christ. Make me have a deep knowledge of God, God's Son Jesus Christ that I may recognise His voice so that I do to go astray. True there are many things challenging my faith, many temptations that steals their ways into my heart. Many conflicting voices. Most especially the voice that rejects the cross. Voice that rejects pains and suffering which are inevitable. 

Lord Jesus Christ my Lord and Master, you are the gate of the sheepfold come be with me. Do not abandon me. Lead and guide me as I follow you. May I never depart from following you for the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. Your warning Lord, may I listen and be delivered from death and condemation. 

 Lord Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Guide and guard me. Be my Protection. God's Holy Angels pray me. 

Pray the Holy Rosary. Hail Mary. Ave Maria. Hail Holy Queen. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ pray for us. Bring us to your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Your Birthday Saint: Saint Pachomius, Abbot. May he pray for you as you celebrate your birthday today.