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Acts 4:8 - 12
Psalm 117
1John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18

The first reading is an account of Peter's first discourse before the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of Jewish law. The speech gives an answer to the question posed by high priests and elders who had asked, "By what power or in whose name did you do this?" referring to the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple. Peter, empowered by the Holy Spirit, proclaims that the healing was performed through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom God raised from the dead. The author of Acts contrasts the human act of putting Jesus to death with God's action of raising him to life. Again we must be careful not to impute guilt of Jesus' death or any rejection of him to the whole Jewish people. Psalm 117 (118) is the source for the rejected stone which has become the corner stone

In today's gospel, Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd in contrast with the bad shepherds who don't look after their sheep. The relationship between the shepherd and his sheep is as intimate as the one between Jesus and the Father. The shepherd has even laid down his life for his sheep. John teaches that Jesus accepted death willingly in obedience to his father.

In the first century a shepherd would have known each of his sheep and cared for them. Jesus knows each one of us as in exactly the same way. How do we respond to Jesus? Do we listen to his voice and follow him? Do we appreciate his act of self-giving? Allow Jesus to care for you this week.

Are you filled with the power of the Spirit as Peter was as he spoke to the leaders of the people? Ask the Lord today for the gifts of healing and communication.