May 4, 2020 | We Must Never Exclude

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Leader: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing that I lack.

Psalm 23:3b-4

Reader 1: He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.

Reader 2: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.

Reading – John 10:11-16

Reader 3: Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.  This is because he works for pay and has not concern for the sheep.  I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father know me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.  I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.  These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Reflection:

Leader: The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is continued in this reading from John.  As in the reading from yesterday regarding the sheep knowing the voice of their shepherd, Jesus portrays himself as the shepherd who protects his flock from harm.  Then Jesus tells his listeners, who assume they are his only flock, that are many others that he cares about and that he will also shepherd.  His love for them comes from the Father, who desires that all who follow the Son be one people.  We consider ourselves members of the Lord’s followers, but we must never exclude others who God also loves.

Intentional Prayer

Leader: In your loving kindness, O God, hear us

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader 1: For CommonSpirit Health, may we follow the voice of the Good Shepherd and include all who God loves, we pray:

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader 2: For all who seek safety in their communities and acceptance in their own home, we pray:

All: Lord, hear our prayer. 

Reader 3: For those who need comfort and sympathy during the hardships of life, we pray:

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

All: Personal Petitions:

The Lord’s Prayer

Reader 3: Our Father … 

Closing Prayer

Reader 4: O God of compassion, you gave us your Son to shepherd us and to lead us into the fullness of life with you.  Give us the grace to follow his teachings and to live faithfully with him who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, on God, for even and ever.  Amen. 

Leader: The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing that I lack.

Peace be with you all and have a wonderful week!