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Get to know Jesus personally by exploring His heart, His personality, and the way He relates to others. Through Scripture, we will discover a Jesus who is warm, engaging, and even playful. Are you willing to come Face to Face with Jesus?
Week 3 - April 26 - May 2: The Good Shepherd
A Disciple Knows the Shepherd
In this weekend’s Scripture, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He knows each of His followers personally and leads them with care and compassion. This imagery shows that God’s love is intimate, protective, and self-giving. The Good Shepherd seeks the lost, guides the wandering, and is willing to sacrifice everything for His flock.
OPENING PRAYER
Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, Thank You for knowing us personally and leading us with love and care. Open our hearts today to hear Your voice, to trust Your guidance, and to follow You faithfully. Help us to see Your presence in our lives and to feel the reassurance of Your protection and care. Teach us to walk in Your ways and to reflect Your love to those around us. Amen.
CLICK HERE TO READ THIS WEEKEND'S READINGS
First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Responsorial: Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20b-25
Gospel Reading: John 10:1-10
INSIGHT FROM OUR READINGS
In this passage, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He knows each of His followers personally and leads them with care and compassion. This imagery shows that God’s love is intimate, protective, and self-giving. The Good Shepherd seeks the lost, guides the wandering, and is willing to sacrifice everything for His flock. This passage reminds us that we are never alone — Jesus is actively guiding, protecting, and calling each of us to a life of trust and love.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me.” ~ Psalm 23:1–2
“The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal.” ~ Ezekiel 34:16
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOG
- Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” How does this image of Jesus as a shepherd impact your understanding of His love?
- We can read further in scripture that the Good Shepherd, would leave the 99 sheep to find the one who is lost in his flock? Have you ever been/felt lost? What did it feel like to be found? Who do we think is happier in this scenario, the sheep to be found or the shepherd to have found his sheep?
- How can we recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd in our daily lives? How do you hear the voice of God? Is it easy for you to distinguish God’s voice?
- In what ways might God be calling you to follow Him more faithfully this week?
- Pray for those who lead your “flock” - our priests, deacons and Bishops. Pray for those who God may be calling to become shepherds for the Church.
- Pray for our children in our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program, that they may also know the love of the Good Shepherd who calls them by name.
- Pray for our children at St. Mary Church & School who will receive our Lord Jesus for the first time in the Sacrament of First Communion on 5/2.
- Listen and Reflect - Spend time in Scripture reading Gospel of John 10:1–18, journaling what God is saying to you personally.
- Care for Someone - Take one intentional step to support or guide a friend, family member, or neighbor in need/lost.
- Participate in the Eucharist - Encounter Christ, your Good Shepherd, in Mass or Adoration, offering your heart in trust and surrender.
- Share Your Faith Story - Tell someone how Jesus has guided you or protected you in a difficult time. How did he bring you back when you may have been lost?
- Be a Guide - Offer encouragement, advice, or support to someone navigating life challenges.
- Model Trust - Let others see your confidence in God’s guidance, even when you face uncertainty.
INTERCESSIONS FOR THE GROUP
Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the Hearts of your small group members.
CLOSING PRAYER
Good Shepherd,
Thank You for walking with us and for laying down Your life for us. Help us to follow You more closely, listen to Your voice in our daily lives, and trust Your guidance even when the path is unclear. Strengthen our hearts to care for others as You care for us. May Your love inspire us to lead, protect, and guide those in need. Amen.
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