Willing to Die

April 22, Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 11:1-18; John 10:1-10

The first reading is about the conversion of Gentiles. Despite being considered unclean and uncircumcised, God gave them the chance to receive His word. Peter's co-apostles questioned why he ate with the Gentiles, but he explained that God gave them the same grace as believers in Jesus. They were silenced and praised God for giving the Gentiles the chance to repent and receive eternal life.

The Gospel for today proclaims that Jesus is the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine, and mine know me.  As the Father knows me, and I know the Father, I lay down my life for my sheep.

Unlike the hired shepherd flees in the face of danger and abandons his sheep, a true shepherd is willing to die for his sheep. Because he is not the owner, he has no sympathy or concern for what will happen to the sheep. We recently celebrated Holy Week, where we commemorated the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Following the will of the Father, Jesus died to save us from our sins. Jesus' death aims to bring new life to the people. God demonstrates his love for his people by sending his only son to the cross. Jesus became the sacrificial lamb and redeemed us through his death. He is truly the good shepherd who was willing to lay down his life for the sake of our salvation.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: How do we respond to this love? Are we also willing to die for the welfare of others?
Lord, help us to realize that your death on the cross is the great manifestation of  God’s love for us.  Amen.