SOCL, Easter4B

Sunday April 21, 2024

I am the good shepherd

See

You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when someone's got your back? That's what the Good Shepherd picture in the Bible is all about. It's like having the ultimate friend who's always there for you, no matter what life throws your way.

But here's the plot twist: regular shepherds don't usually risk it all for their sheep. That's where Jesus comes in. He's not your average shepherd – He's the one who's willing to lay down His life for you. It's like going from feeling all cozy to being mind-blown.

So next time you're feeling lost or facing tough times, remember: You've got a Shepherd who's not just there to comfort you, but who's ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for you. That's a love story that'll never get old.

Listen

Acts 4:8-12; Psalm 118 (117); 1 John 3:1-2; John 10:11-18

Reflect

(John 10:11-18)

-You know how there's a big difference between a casual friend and a bestie who really gets you? What changes have you noticed in your relationships as you got to know and love each other more? What was it like to go through that transformation?

-In the story, the good shepherd is willing to "lay down his life" for his sheep. When have you gone above and beyond for someone you care about, like a friend, parent, partner, or sibling? Or when has someone done that for you?

-The parable also suggests that relationships shouldn't be exclusive, but inclusive. Have you ever experienced the saying, "Love shared is love multiplied"? How did it feel?

-The Good Shepherd chooses to lay down his life freely. Sometimes, when others need us, we might feel trapped or obligated to help them out of duty or guilt. We can become like hired workers who do the job without really caring. Have you ever felt both ways – caring for others because you had to, and because you wanted to? What was the difference when you chose to care, even when you didn't have much choice?

-What do these experiences of love and care in your own relationships tell you about how much God loves you?

Pray

Loving Father, you call us to love one another as the Good Shepherd loves his sheep. We thank you for the relationships that allow us to experience and share your love. Help us cultivate deep and authentic bonds, where mutual care and generous self-giving are signs of your presence. May we, inspired by Christ's example, be willing to "lay down our lives" for others, serving with joy and freedom. May our love expand and strengthen as we share it, creating an ever-wider and more inclusive community. Grant us the grace to choose to love even when it is difficult, knowing that in doing so, we reveal your face. May we discover the depth of your love for us in every gesture of affection and sacrifice for others.

Act

-Practice Sacrificial Love: Look for ways to make sacrifices for others, whether it's giving your time, comfort, or forgiveness.

-Lead with Care: Be an empathetic leader in your relationships and community, guiding with compassion and understanding.

-Find Spiritual Reassurance: Seek comfort and solace through prayer, meditation, or connecting with a supportive community in difficult times.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024, April 21). Fourth Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042124.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, Easter3B

April 14, 2024

Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself

See

For the word of God to truly transform into a vibrant living message, it is essential for us to go beyond the mere words on the page. We must strive to hear the underlying message that the Scriptures are conveying to us. It is through the lens of our faith that we can perceive God's voice speaking to us, as we immerse ourselves in the divine narrative of the journeying people of God. This transformative experience does not unfold effortlessly; it necessitates a receptive and attentive spirit, along with a heart that is ready to embrace the wisdom and guidance emanating from the sacred texts.

Listen

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke 24:35-48

Reflect

(Luke 24:35-48)

-When we are not expecting it to happen, even a good event can startle us. So it was with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them. He sought to calm them and helped them to see the good news behind what had initially alarmed them. Who has been a Jesus person for you by helping you to find meaning and good news in life?

-Jesus helped the disciples to find new hope, but he did not give them easy answers. He asked them to see the facts before their eyes. He wanted them to learn from the experience they were having. As a parent, teacher, friend or guide, have you been a Jesus person to another, helping him/her to find hope and purpose in life by learning from his/ her experiences? Who has done this for you?

-The disciples had a resurrection experience. Unexpected possibilities for the future surfaced when it seemed that hope had gone. What have been your resurrection experiences; recovery of health when it did not seem possible, new opportunities after failure or disappointment, inner healing after a deep hurt, etc?

-It took the disciples some time to grasp the meaning of what was happening. It can take us time to learn the deeper lessons of life. Reflect on an example of some lesson about life that you have learned slowly over time?

Pray

Lord, like the disciples, we are often startled by your unexpected presence in our lives. We thank you for the "Jesus people" who help us find meaning and good news amid life's alarms. As Jesus did, they guide us to hope, not through easy answers, but by encouraging us to learn from our experiences. We are grateful for the resurrection moments in our lives – the healing, opportunities, and inner growth that arise when hope seems lost. Teach us, Lord, to be patient in understanding life's deeper lessons, and to trust in your ongoing presence.

Act

-Reflect on Scripture Daily: Spend time daily reading and reflecting on the Bible, seeking to understand its deeper meaning for your life.

-Practice Active Listening: Listen attentively to spiritual teachings and sermons, keeping an open heart and mind to grasp their messages more fully.

-Journal and Pray: Maintain a journal to jot down insights from your spiritual journey and engage in prayer, allowing the Word of God to become alive in your daily experiences.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ah, April 14). Third Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041424.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/

SOCL, Easter2B

April 07, 2024

Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you

See

How did any of us make the journey towards faith in Christ? No doubt a great part of it is simply what we received—usually from family. At some point, did I make a conscious choice? Perhaps at other times, I felt like walking away the faith project? What kept me going? Did a more personal ownership of faith result? Perhaps I can identify with the intuition of John O’Donahue, “Faith is helpless attraction to the divine.” In spite of everything, in spite of myself, somehow it is part of who I am.

Listen

Act 4:32-35; Psalm 118 (117); 1 John 5:1-6; John 20:19-31

Reflect

(John 20: 19-31)

-“Peace be with you” was the greeting of Jesus on meeting his frightened apostles. Who has come to you bringing peace at times when you were afraid? To whom have you been able to bring peace?

-Thomas, doubting and questioning, is possibly a person with whom we can identify. What part have doubting and questioning played on your faith journey? How has your faith been strengthened by such moments?

-Note the way that Jesus dealt with Thomas. He did not give out because he doubted. He accepted how he felt and led him along to see the truth of his resurrection. Who has been that kind of teacher for you, gently taking you where you were and leading you to a deeper knowledge about some truth about life? For whom have you been that kind of teacher?

-“Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believed”. That requires great trust. Perhaps you have had the experience of being trusted without having to justify every step along the way. What was it like to be trusted in that way? Who have you been able to trust in a similar manner?

Pray

God of life, source of all faith, through the waters of baptism you have raised us up in Christ and given us life that endures. Day by day, refine our faith that we who have not seen the Christ, may truly confess him as our Lord and God, and share the blessedness of those who believe. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Act

-Reflect Daily: Reflect on your faith journey regularly to deepen understanding.

-Stay Connected: Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals.

-Own Your Faith: Engage in practices that resonate with you for personal growth.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024af, April 7). Second Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040724.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/