Eastertide Day 23 Monday May 12 2025
John 10: 1-10 “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
In John 10: 1-10, Jesus introduces Himself as the Good Shepherd and the gate for the sheep. This passage reminds us of His intimate care and guidance for His followers. The imagery of the shepherd highlights His deep love, protection, and desire for us to find abundant life in Him. During Eastertide, we celebrate the victory of Christ over sin and death, and this passage calls us to trust in Him as the source of eternal life. Jesus contrasts Himself with thieves and robbers, who bring harm, while He offers life in its fullness. As sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, we too are called to attune our hearts to the voice of Christ, discerning His guidance amidst the distractions of the world.
Let us reflect: Are we listening for the voice of our Shepherd in our daily lives? Are we trusting Him to lead us to the abundant life He promises? This Eastertide, may we walk closely with the Risen Christ, finding hope and joy in His presence.
Prayer: Good Shepard, thank You for leading us and calling us by name. Help us to recognize Your voice and follow You with trust and obedience. Protect us from the distractions and dangers of this world, and guide us to the abundant life You promise. During this Eastertide, may we rejoice in the victory of Your resurrection and live as people of hope. Draw us closer to You, that we may find rest, joy, and purpose in Your loving care.
Amen.