Lectio Divina for The Fourth Week of Easter
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
John 10:1-10
Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs
over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by
name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep
follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away
from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of
speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me
are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me
will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter
and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on or more of the following questions:
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
He walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. How do I recognize
the voice of God? Where is Jesus calling me to follow him?
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice
of strangers. What strange and divisive voices pull me away from God? How can I mute those voices?
Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. Where do I find pasture and rest? What opportunities for test and restoration are available to me/
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Pray for the Pope and the bishops who are called to shepherd God’s people.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
