Consider the Word, April 27, 2023

Consider the Word, April 27, 2023
Email stpauls@pei.aibn.com for the link to the Bible Study.
 
Readings for April 30

• Acts 2:42-47
• Psalm 23
• 1 Peter 2:19-25
• John 10:1-10

 
Collect:

O God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

by the blood of the eternal covenant,

make us perfect in every good work to do your will,

and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
The Psalm (23)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.

He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his name's sake.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 
Reflection Question

1. Where is the “comfort” in being in the “presence of those who trouble me”?

 
The Gospel: John 10:1-10

Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers." Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So again Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

 
Reflection Question

1. If Jesus is the “good shepherd,” could there be bad shepherds?
2. Do we think of “eternal life” that prepares us for a life in the hereafter with no concern for what life is like in the here-and-now? Or do we decide to inhabit this world with the hope that a life in the present is what Jesus calls us to? 

 
Closing Prayer:

Holy Shepherd,

you know your sheep by name

and lead us to safety through the valleys of death.

Guide us by your voice,

that we may walk in certainty and security

to the joyous feast prepared in your house,

where we celebrate with you forever. Amen.