Fifth Saturday of Easter

Let all the earth cry out to God with joy. Alleluia. Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.

We are God’s flock. He watches over us like a Good Shepherd, protecting us from harm. He guides us to green pastures and feeds us with the Bread of Life and the Wine of Salvation. He guards us from all our foes and does everything He can to raise and nurture us. He wants us all to be holy and healthy. He calls us back to Him when we go astray and carries us on His shoulders when we are weak. We would do well to follow his example and imitate him in all these things as we tend to the needs of our brothers and sisters in this world.

Do we cry out with joy for all God has done for us? Are we willing to be led by our Good Shepherd where we need to go? How can we be good shepherds to others?

O Lord, tend us.

Amen.

Sixteenth Friday in Ordinary Time

I will appoint over you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently. When you multiply and become fruitful in the land, says the LORD, They will in those days no longer say, "The ark of the covenant of the LORD!" They will no longer think of it, or remember it, or miss it, or make another.

God gives us many shepherds to help us through our lives. He gives us our families, our friends, our teachers, our priests and religious, and our neighbors. They might not be perfect or even good shepherds, but God always gives us enough spiritual guidance from the Holy Spirit to know who is a good and bad influence on us. He always gives us what we need to live wisely and prudently and help others to do that same. If we know something or someone is no good for us, then we have to give it or them up. If we are faithful to God, then our memories of what we have given up will fade away and we shall not miss what has been sacrificed for the greater good of our souls.

Who are the good and faithful shepherds in our lives? How can listen to them and God more faithfully? What things or people do we need to give up in order to be holier?

O Lord, appoint your shepherds over us and lead us to the Promised Land.

Amen.

Christmas

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

We are all called to be shepherds to our family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Like the shepherds of the Gospels we are given a chance to glorify and praise God for all we have experienced in this world, especially his love, mercy, and grace revealed to us through God’s choice to come to us as a Savior. He comes as an infant, totally dependent upon Mary and Joseph for His every need. It is through their daily duties and simple acts of love that they express their love for God.

How do we express our thanks for God’s works seen and unseen in our lives? How can we make our everyday chores and routines into meaningful prayers? What other things can we do to live a life that glorifies and praises God?

O Lord, help us to be a good shepherds of your children and to reflect upon all you have done for us in our lives.

Amen.

Second Tuesday in Advent

It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

Our Father does not want any of us lost to sin. He constantly searches us out when we stray from him with our imperfections, sins, and failings. He offers to carry us as he carried the cross if we will but yoke ourselves to Him. How blessed are we to have such a Father, who is willing to forgive us our trespasses and rejoices when we allow Him to led us where we need to be.

How often are we lost, afraid, anxious, or doubtful in our lives? Do we take the time during these times of troubles to let go of our selfish worries and let God lead us through the darkness to greener pastures? What do we do in our lives to make sure none of God’s little ones are lost?

O Lord, you are our shepherd, find us when we are lost and weak with sin and lead us to life everlasting with you.

Amen.