The Fourth Sunday of Easter - we listened to scripture that depicts Jesus as The Good Shepherd - an image used in the Gospel of John 10:1-21 in which Jesus is modeled as One who gives up His life for His sheep. One might wonder why anyone tending an animal would willing die for that animal - until they realize that the sheep referred to in the Gospel means mankind. Yes - simply put - we are His sheep - He our master. He cares for us like He would anyone - any animal - with tender loving care - seeing to our needs - safety - feeding us not only with food and drink - also - His Word - Holy Scripture - seeing that we develop into well formed people.
When one understands how much God - Jesus - loves us it should be easy for each of us to do likewise. We - in turn - should nurture all those around us - seeing to their care - well being - sharing the message of Jesus' Gospel - freely with them. We should - many do not - selfishly keeping His message for themselves. This is one gift from God - which is no gift - unless freely shared with others. What benefit to anyone who receives freely and does not share? All the gifts we receive from God - never for our personal benefit alone. When we receive His blessings - those same blessings poured upon others in the act of sharing - in turn our blessings multiplied. Today a good day to share a blessing with others.
Deacon Dale
When one understands how much God - Jesus - loves us it should be easy for each of us to do likewise. We - in turn - should nurture all those around us - seeing to their care - well being - sharing the message of Jesus' Gospel - freely with them. We should - many do not - selfishly keeping His message for themselves. This is one gift from God - which is no gift - unless freely shared with others. What benefit to anyone who receives freely and does not share? All the gifts we receive from God - never for our personal benefit alone. When we receive His blessings - those same blessings poured upon others in the act of sharing - in turn our blessings multiplied. Today a good day to share a blessing with others.
Deacon Dale
