Daily Gospel Reflection for April 23, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Emily Davis

Today's Gospel: John 10:22-30

Did you know that sheep actually recognize the voice of the shepherd, the one who feeds them, guides them, and protects them? They do! They do because they have learned to trust the shepherd.

It’s Psalm 23 come to life. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” All the worrying we do about spouses, children, family, finances, and education is wasted time because we do not want for anything. Yet, in our humanity, during chaotic life seasons, we dare to question our Shepherd Jesus, Our Lord, Who feeds, guides, and protects us, and Who laid His life down for reparation of all sins past, present, and future.

In John 10, Jesus refers to Himself over and over as the Good Shepherd. For example, in verse 11, Jesus says,

“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

In verses 14-15, Jesus says,

“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”

Another reference is found in today’s Gospel passage, when the Jews question Jesus at the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah). The Jews boldly ask Jesus to tell them if He is the Messiah. Jesus goes on to explain to them that He had already told them He was, in fact, the Messiah. And in verses 26-27, Jesus says,

“But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

He went on to explain that His sheep know His voice and follow Him, and, in return, He gives us eternal life.

Let us mean it when we say, “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Ponder:

How can I help myself and my family to see that if we have trust, we have everything we need in the arms of Jesus, and that we need to hear Jesus and follow Him wholeheartedly?

Pray:

Dear Lord, my momma heart is a worrying heart. Please continue to lead me to a place of obedience and calm confidence in Your care as I strive to be a better sheep in Your holy flock. On You I rely.

Click to tweet:
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” All the worrying we do about spouses, children, family, finances, and education is wasted time because we do not want for anything! #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Emily Davis

Emily “LadyEm” Davis is -- Catholic. Texan. Wife. Mama. Grandma. Crafter. Volunteer. CCD Teacher. Writer. Faith Influencer. Emily and her husband, Marque, moved to the Naples, Italy, area in August 2018, where he works in support of the Navy/DoD. Having recently entered her 60s whilst navigating being an empty nester, Emily is working to re-enter the workforce. The Davises adopted two puppies to fill the empty nest and miss their children and grandchildren dearly. Please stop by Emily's blog: Our Home, Mary’s Mantle.