THE GOSPEL
John 10:11-18I am the good shepherd.
The Good Shepherd knows his sheep
and calls them each by name.
They listen, they wait for
the sound of his
voice.
We are
so like them.
O Jesus, Shepherd,
we harken to hear you call us.
Hold us in your arms awhile.
Then help us take your unconditional love
––the lay-down-your-life kind of love
that you got from your Father––
and wrap it around us
and into the lives
of all people
every
where.
THE FIRST READING
Acts 4:8-12
In his name this man stands before you, healed.
Only one name could
make the
cripple
walk.
Father in heaven,
give us that same courage
you gave to Peter––to speak out,
tell about the one rejected
who became our
corner-
stone.
In Jesus’ name
we ask
food for the hungry,
care for all immigrants
and suffering children,
healing for our planet,
love that ends divisions.