ACTS 11:19-26

Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

JOHN 10:22-30

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father's hand. The Father and I are one."

Sheep need direction and are open to being led. They are dependent on the care of the shepherd. In the same way, those who belong to the flock of Jesus are teachable and prepared to be led. They look to Jesus, the Good. Shepherd, for care and protection. In return, Jesus promises that his sheep, those who listen and belong to him, are safe in his care and will never be lost or stolen from him. These promises will become true for us as we seek to become his sheep by listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow him. But we should acknowledge that we do not find it easy to listen to the Shepherd’s voice.

We are caught up in the hectic pace of our own lives. In the midst of all these activities, we need to be able to heed the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. If we are to hear his voice, we need to take time out to listen to him. We need to shut out the noise and be silent. Having made space to be with the Lord, we need to give ourselves wholeheartedly to listening to him. By praising God and thanking him for all he has done for us, we shall rise above our concerns and problems and be able to rest in his grace.

Let this be our prayer today: Lord, l want to hear your voice and find eternal life. Place in my heart a deep desire to listen to you. Grant me the grace of perseverance in making time for you each day.

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Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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