It is 26th April 2021.
The readings are from Acts 11:1-18; and the Gospel from John 10:1-10.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “My soul is thirsting for the living God.” (Ps.42:3).
Pastoral shepherding involves personal conversion and openness towards the Holy Spirit. Moreover, the Holy Spirit is not the exclusive to a few people. When we believe that the Holy Spirit can enter anyone, we witness miracles of conversion and healing.
The infant church was spreading, and the Word of God was accepted outside the believers. The doors of acceptance and tolerance needed for the structure to be accessible to all people. The Church accepts all people through Jesus, who is the door. “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So, there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (Jn 10:16).
The moment we think better of the others, we find innumerable ways to exclude the others. God has given the access through Jesus.
No shepherd is the gate except Jesus. Jesus is the gate and the way. Only by entering and existing through Jesus, we live in abundance. Recognising the voice of the Shepherd is the key to life of abundance. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Jn.10:10). Familiarity to the Word of God shuns the gatekeepers who mislead us away from God.
May the Lord bless us to allow others to come closer to God through Jesus by constantly listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Have a lovely day. God bless you.