–Evangelii Gaudium §237
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| Sunday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Enters
“Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Reflection
Time and again in Scripture Jesus claims to be the Messiah, the Son of God and claims that salvation comes
through Him and Him alone. Jesus claims were radical, so much so that they would ultimately lead to his demise.
So what does this have to do with us? For unbelievers Jesus claims where a major stumbling block for their faith.
Yet for believers it was the opposite…His claims were the place of great freedom and purpose for their life. Today,
Jesus claims still ring true. Jesus still claims to be the Messiah, He still claims to be the Son of God and He still
claims to be the One in which we obtain salvation. These claims stretch our faith…. these claims also require from
us a response. Do we believe who Jesus says He is?
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus making another claim. He states in John 10:9, “I am the gate. Whoever enters
through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” and desires
greatly to lead us to safe and abundant pasture. Yet for us to be led we must follow. We must respond to Jesus’
claim. Jesus doesn’t force us to follow him, but invites us. His invitation is for all of us. However, we must admit,
there are many things vying for our hearts and minds. There are a lot of things that threaten us and distract us from
Christ. Many times, we are distracted, and are pulled down the wrong path. We are distracted and tempted to
believe that there are more gates that lead to truth and freedom. Yet, which gate will lead us to the freedom we
long for? It is Christ!
In the first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter testifies about Jesus. As Peter preaches the
Jews realize that the one that they crucified is the Messiah about whom Peter is testifying. Peter’s testimony about
Christ begins to change the hearts of many, even the Jews. Their stumbling blocks to Christ begin to be removed
and their faith in Jesus becomes the place of freedom. Peter’s invitation is to follow Jesus and to lay down their
lives and follow Christ down His path and through the gate that leads to life.
For Your Prayer
Reflect on the words of Jesus from today’s Gospel, “I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and
will come in and go out and find pasture” (John 10:9). How does Jesus claim and invitation to be the gate move
you?
Be Sent
How and where is God calling you to testify about Him to others?
Who is God asking you to pray for today?
Daily Log
What “gates” in your life is God asking you to close and walk away from?
What hesitations do you have about following Christ, “the Gate”?
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| Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay
down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Reflection
In yesterday’s reflection we looked at the serious nature of Jesus’ claims of being the Messiah. The
invitation for us to look at the who and what we are following is something of great importance…the answer to
these questions determines the direction of our life.
In today’s reading Jesus makes another bold claim. He claims to be the “good shepherd”. By this time in
Jesus’ life and ministry he is certain of who he is and what his purpose is. He knows he is the Son of God who was
sent by the Father. He knows that he has come to “seek and save the lost” and he knows that saving the lost will
cost him his own life. So what does Jesus do? He begins to proclaim to the word the Good news of who he is and
Gods plan for his children. Make no mistake about it…Jesus is on a mission….and his mission is to rescue us from
our sins.
So why does he proclaim to be a shepherd? A shepherd was a well-known and respected occupation during
the time of Jesus. A shepherd took great care, concern and interest in his flock. Jesus uses this image as one to
describe his own care, concern and interest for us. We are his sheep…his flock. And Jesus takes great delight in
tending to us and taking care of our every need. Whether we are close or far away, Jesus seeks to care for us.
For us the invitation is to allow Jesus to be our “good shepherd” and for us to find rest and peace in
knowing that He is the one who leads us to “green pastures.” We no longer have to roam around on our own
aimlessly looking for safety…we can now lean on the one who tends to our every need….Jesus!
For Your Prayer
Reflect on the passage today, “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father
knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
What word sticks out to you from the passage? Take some time to pray and journal on that one word and what the
Lord is saying to you.
Be Sent
How is the Lord inviting you to lead others to Him? Take some time to think about ways, big or small that God is
asking you to follow him and lead other to him.
Shepherds lead others to safety. Is there a local food bank or homeless outreach that you can donate your time or
resources to? Think and pray for those who are physically misplaced.
Daily log
Where do you find yourself leading or taking control of your life? How is the “good shepherd” asking you to
surrender and follow him in these areas?
When you think of Jesus being the “good shepherd” who tends to you…what comes to mind? Pay attention to
your deepest desires and feelings.
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| Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Follow
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Reflection
Today we continue from the passage from John chapter 10 where Jesus continues his excerpt on the Good
Shepherd. In yesterdays reflection Jesus claims to be the “good shepherd” and we were invited to look at Jesus as a
God who desires to take care of us and lead us to where we belong. In today’s reading Jesus makes the invitation
clear. Will we follow?
Following isn’t easy. We would often rather take control and do things our own way, make our own
decisions and do things differently then others. Following doesn’t always come natural to our instinct because of
the many conflicts in our heart. Yet, when Jesus talks about being a follower he’s talking about things in a much
deeper way. We can’t look at the invitation from Jesus through our own lenses but through his. What’s Jesus really
saying…what is he really inviting us to? First let’s look at what Jesus is not saying. He is not saying that being a
follower means we are weak. He’s not saying we aren’t smart enough, brave enough or trusting enough. He’s not
even saying we can’t lead! So what’s is he saying?
Jesus’ invitation to be a follower isn’t so much about us as it is about him. As Children of God we were
created to be in relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. In our broken and desperate world, Jesus came to
rescue us and “lead” us back to the Father. Jesus is the one that knows the way. He is the one that knows our
hearts. Imagine being lost and stranded for years. You are starving, cold, lonely and in desperate need to be
rescued. Someone shows up and says “follow me, I know the way out of here…I know the way to safety, I know
where there is food, clothing, shelter, family.” Would you go? You aren’t forced to go…but the invitation is there
for you to say yes or no.
Jesus is that person who comes to us and invites us to follow him to safety. Jesus came to save us. His
invitation to follow is much bigger than us because it allows us to recognize that we can no longer muster our way
out and we need Him to show us the way. Our surrender to the Kingship of Christ renders our heart as a follower
in need of God. Through our surrender we follow, through our following we find freedom and through our
freedom we are sent out to lead others. Will you follow Jesus?
For Your Prayer
Reflect on today’s passage...zoom in on the invitation from the Lord to follow. “My sheep hear my voice; I know
them, and they follow me.”—John 10:27
Spend some time in prayer asking the Lord for a deeper grace to surrender.
Be Sent
As a follower…begin to pray about how God is asking you to lead. Where, what and how is he sending you as a
follower to show others his love?
Daily Log
Where in your life is it difficult to surrender? Where in your life is it difficult to follow? Take some time to journal
and pray.
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When you think of following Jesus what excites you? How do you begin to feel free?
| Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Choose
“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the
Father in my name he may give you.” (John 15:16)
Reflection
Today’s scripture is one of great beauty! Read these words from Jesus, “It was not you who chose me, but I
who chose you.” Jesus chooses us!
We live in a world of many option and many choices. You could say we all at times have a small case of
“option-itis.” Making choices, big or small isn’t always easy. So, often we simply just don’t make a decision at all.
The ability to make a decision means that one must choose. However, the ability to authentically make a decision
means one must eliminate all options except one and choose that one. Imagine a husband or a wife saying, “I’d like
to marry you but I’d like to marry four other people too. I just can’t choose one of you so I’m going to choose all
of you.” No, for love to be authentic and husband or wife must say, “I no longer choose anyone or anything else
but you.” Thus they have eliminated all other options but the one…the one they will choose to love above all
others. This is authentic love. This is love that establishes a covenant between husband and wife. I choose you
forever, no matter what. Thus when Jesus states, “I who chose you” what he is saying is that his love is authentic.
Jesus is stating that he chooses to love us and out of this love he is establishing a covenant with us forever…a bond
even deeper than a marriage between husband and wife.
Many of us struggle with the reality of Christ loving us this much. Many of us feel unworthy of this love.
We say things like, “how can God love me” or “how can God choose me.” These are things we all wrestle with.
Why? Because we are all unworthy of such a powerful love. Yet, Jesus’ words are meant for us despite our
brokenness. He knows our hearts yet “chooses” to love us anyway. This is why His love is so powerful…because
he is love and he chooses this love to be for us and for us alone. We are his for eternity and can rest in the reality
that his love will be with us forever.
For Your Prayer
Reflect on today’s passage, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear
fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.” (John 15:16)
How does this passage strike you? How does your heart receive Jesus words?
Be Sent
How can you use the power of “choosing” to love someone authentically this week?
How can you “choose” to love God authentically this week?
Daily Log
How does God “choosing” you affect you?
In what ways does today’s passage bring freedom and joy to your life? In what ways is it difficult to accept?
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| Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Receives
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
(John 13:20)
Reflection
Today we continue to look at the depth of Jesus’ invitation to us. In todays passage Jesus states, “Whoever
receives me receives the one who sent me.” The invitation from Jesus to receive his life within us is clear.
Receptivity is not an easy concept and it’s not something that comes natural to us. Are we created to
receive God, yes we are. However, because of our fallen state the idea of receptivity of God’s love is difficult.
Why? The reason it is hard is because over the course of our life we become closed off. In small or big ways we
have been hurt, let down and disappointed. We often assume this same posture with the Lord. We often keep
Jesus at arms length not even thinking about whether or not we are closing our hearts to his love. We often do it
without knowing. We are invited to receive Christ love and to live in union with him. We are invited to
continuously receive him into our hearts.
So what’s the answer to a life of receptivity? First, we are invited to recognize the places in our life that
have been hurt and are closed off to receiving love. When we recognize these things we can become aware of
God’s healing in our life. Second, we are invited to be conscious of Christ invitation and to know that his invitation
is offered to us always…at all times…and at very moment. Third we are invited to ask the Lord to come into our
hearts, even the deepest crevices, and allow him to reside there. Lastly, we are invited to receive Christ in the
Sacraments. The Sacraments are tangible realities of God’s presence in our lives. Thus receiving Jesus in the
Eucharist is the greatest gift of receptivity we can have with the Lord. We are invited to receive Him often and to
believe in Faith that His presence in the Eucharist is real and has the power to heal our broken hearts.
For Your Prayer
Read today’s passage a few times…reflect on it. Spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament praying with it.
Be Sent
Take some time to write out ways that you have received blessings from the Lord. Start writing daily about the
things you are grateful for.
Send a letter or email to someone who needs to receive an encouraging message.
Go to Mass this week during the week. Receive the Eucharist with a real awareness of the real presence of Christ.
Daily Log
Take some time to journal about areas of your life that you need to receive the Lord’s love and mercy.
How can you begin to receive from the Lord more in your life?
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| Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Truth
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Reflection
In today’s passage from the Gospel of John Jesus is again claiming to be God. Imagine how many
times Jesus claimed to be the Messiah in one way or another to the Apostles, His followers and even to those who
hated him. Numerous times Jesus proclaims in Sacred Scripture about His true identity. However, in John 14:6
Jesus is claiming not only his Kingship, He is claiming that the only way to the Father is through Him. This is a
bold claim and one that would have confused his followers and angered his opponents. His followers would have
been confused because they would have yet to understand God’s full plan of salvation through the work of Christ.
His opponents would have been angered because claiming to be God would have been the most blasphemous thing
one could ever do against God. So when Jesus states, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me,” it would have caused quite a stir. So, what does Jesus really mean? How does one
go “through” Jesus? How do we know Jesus is really the “way and the truth and the life?”
This passage brings up some things that are important for us to remember. First the importance of
knowing that Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit are “One.” Jesus comes from the Father, and Spirit yet is “One” with
the Father and the Spirit. One God, three distinct Persons…equal the totality of who God is. Second this passage
reminds us of the importance of knowing that Jesus comes from the Father and returns to the Father. In Jesus’
journey to earth He saves humanity from Sin and in returning to heaven opens its gates for all of us to live in
eternity with God forever. Which leads us to the third reminder. The importance of Jesus returning to His rightful
place with the Father and Spirit. In doing so the Father sends the Holy Spirit to reside in us, empower us, and
reveal to us His “truth.” This is how we know what Jesus says is true. The Spirit of God reveals to us the truth
and we respond to the truth of God’s revelation by accepting His truth and living His truth. Jesus is the “way and
the truth and the life” and it is through Him that we are united with the Father and empower by the Spirit. The
truth that Jesus proclaims is the truth that transforms our life. Let us allow this truth to stir in our hearts and
empower us to live in freedom.
For Your Prayer
Reflect on the passage from today. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Ask the Father to reveal to you a deeper understanding of Gods truth in your life.
Be Sent
Continue to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer. Try to go to daily Mass this week. Ask the Father
to reveal His truth to you through the Eucharist.
Who is someone you could talk to or pray for who needs to know Jesus? Make it a point to reach out to them.
Daily Log
What teachings of Jesus or the Church do you struggle with believing. Journal about this. For your prayer, ask the
Holy Spirit to give you a deeper understanding of Gods truth.
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What teachings or Jesus do you simply want more of a conviction about? Journal about this. For you prayer, ask
the Holy Spirit to empower you with a passionate conviction for these truths.
| Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Dwells
“The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.” (John 14:10)
Reflection
Jesus states, “The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.” The word dwell means to live, stay or
reside in a permanent place. Jesus statement here makes another bold claim…the claim that the Father, God
himself, lives “in” Jesus. Once again we see Jesus proclaiming His true identity as the “I AM.” What is fascinating
about this particular verse in John 14 is the choice of words Jesus uses. Dwell is a very intimate word. It is also a
very permanent word. He doesn’t mean that God once dwelled or that God wants to one-day dwell. He says that
the Father does dwell. Meaning the Father lives permanently in Him. Jesus, The Father and The Spirit are
intimately united with each other in one dwelling place.
As we continue this journey through Easter Jesus is challenging us to expand our hearts and minds of who
He is. Not who we think He is…but who He really is. Yet, the challenge as we end week 4 of the study has taken a
deeper turn. Jesus is not only inviting us to expand our understanding of who He is but to dive deeper into a
intimate relationship with Him. This brings us back to the word dwell and the question we must ask…”where does
God dwell?”
God does dwell in heaven, in total union with the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) however God is neither
distant nor contained to one place. God is omnipresent, meaning He resides everywhere. Through Christ work we
now have access to the Trinity. God has sent his presence, The Holy Spirit, to dwell with us and reside with us. So
where does He camp out? The Lord dwells in us. Through being created in the image of God, through our
baptism, through our confirmation and through Gods Spirit He lives and reigns in our soul. So what does Gods
dwelling place look like in our own lives? Is my heart receptive to God dwelling in me? Am I making room for the
Lord? Am I allowing Jesus to dwell and letting him reside permanently. There is no doubt that God dwelling in us
is a great gift. There is also no doubt that Jesus longs to dwell in our hearts and to live permanently in us. As we go
through our lives journey we can be certain that we are never alone and he is always with us!
For Your Prayer
Spend some time reflecting on today’s passage.
What is the Lord speaking to you in this verse?
Be Sent
Receive Christ in the Eucharist at Mass more than once this week. Take some time to pray and reflect on the reality
of Christ dwelling in you.
Daily Log
What are some things in your life that are occupying space that you could begin to weed out and allow Christ more
room to dwell?
How is the Lord drawing you in to a deeper understanding of being in relationship with Him?
Does anything scare you about intimacy with God?
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Where do you see the greatest need for intimacy with God in your life?
© 2015 Catholic Diocese of Richmond | Office for Evangelization | Permission required for duplication