Day 7
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Theme: Changed by the Good
Shepherd
Text: Feed my sheep (Jn 21:19) |
Readings
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1 Sam 2:1-10
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Not by might does one prevail
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Psalm 23
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You are there with your rod and
your staff
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Eph 6:10-20
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Be strong in the Lord
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Jn 21:15-19
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Feed my sheep
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Commentary
Those who prevail over suffering,
need support from on high. That support comes through prayer. We read about the
power of Hannah’s prayer in the first chapter of the Book of Samuel. In the
second chapter, we can find Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving. She realised that
some things happen only with the help of God. It was through his will that
Hannah and her husband became parents. This text is an example that strengthens
one’s faith in what would seem to be a hopeless situation. It is an example of
victory.
The Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 guides
his sheep even through the darkest places, comforting them with his presence.
Those who place their trust in the Lord have no need to fear even the shadows
of dissolution or disunity, as their shepherd will lead them into the green
pastures of truth, to dwell together in the Lord’s own house.
In the Letter to the Ephesians, the
apostle Paul urges us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his
power by putting on spiritual armour: truth, righteousness, proclaiming the
Good News, faith, salvation, the word of God, prayer and supplication.
The risen Lord urges Peter - and in
his person each disciple - to discover in himself a love of Him who alone is
the One True Shepherd. If you have such love, then Feed my sheep! In
other words, feed them, protect them, care for them, strengthen them – because
they are mine and belong to me! Be my good servant and tend to those who have
loved me and who follow my voice. Teach them mutual love, cooperation, and
boldness as they go along the twists and turns of life.
As a result of divine grace, the
witness to Christ that has been confirmed in us obliges us to act jointly for
the sake of unity. We have the ability and the knowledge to bear such witness!
But are we willing to? The Good Shepherd, who by His life, teaching and conduct
strengthens all who have put their trust in His grace and support, invites us
to cooperate with Him unconditionally. Thus fortified, we will be able to help
one another on the road to unity. So let us become strong in the Lord, that we
may strengthen others in a joint testimony of love.
Prayer
Father of all, You call us to be one
flock in Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is our Good Shepherd who invites us to lie
down in green pastures, leads us beside still waters, and restores our souls.
In following him, may we so care for others that all see in us the love of the
one true Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Questions for reflection
- How does the Good Shepherd inspire us to comfort, revive, and restore the confidence of those who are lost?
- In what ways can Christians of various traditions strengthen each other in confessing and bearing witness to Jesus Christ?
- For us today, what can be the meaning of St Paul’s exhortation: “Be strong in the Lord.... put on the whole armour of God”?
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