"He gives his life for the sheep"

where Jesus describes himself as the "Good Shepherd." Unlike a hired hand who flees from danger,

the Good Shepherd willingly sacrifices his life to protect and save his flock.

The Good Shepherd protects his sheep from the "wolf,"

which represents dangers or, in a spiritual sense, attackers or evil.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 11:1-18*

News came to the apostles

 "Bread of Life"

Jesus promises that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually,

Fulfillment in Christ comes from knowing one is loved unconditionally and secure in their identit.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 8:1b-8

All, except the apostles,

 " Truly, i say to you, anyone who does not enter the 

sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way,

is a thief and a robber."

Only that shepherd is approved by the gatekeeper.

This teaching also relies on the unique way sheep naturally learn to

respond only to the voice of "their" shepherd, and not to others.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Then Peter stood up

"FOR I DO NOT SEEK TO UNDERSTAND IN ORDER THAT I MAY BELIEVE,

BUT I BELIEVE IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND. FOR THIS ALSO I BELIEVE -

THAT UNLESS I BELIEVE I SHALL NOT UNDERSTAND."

                                                         - Saint Anselm

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 7:51-8:1a

But you

 Inspire hope and faith in a world hungry for the Good News.

Our hope is anchored in Jesus.

Trust that God is in control, working today, and can guide you.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Peter 5:5b-14

All of you

"Faith over works"

Jesus spoke these words after miraculously feeding 5,000 people,

addressing their focus on physical bread rather than spiritual belief.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen,

 "WOE TO ME IF I SHOULD PROVE MYSELF BUT A HALF-HEARTED SOLDIER

  IN THE SERVICE OF MY THORN-CROWNED CAPTAIN.

                                                            - Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Acts 9:1-20*

 Meanwhile,

 " Is the message of the prophets too difficult for you to undersdand. "

The disciples were downcast and confused about Jesus' death,

The message they struggled with is that the Messiah must suffer, die, and be glorified.

Jesus subsequently "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures," 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

 Acts 2: 14.22-33

Then Peter

Stood up

 "DOUBT NOT. BELIEVE IN GOD AND JESUS CHRIST,

AND BE BAPTIZED, AND SHALL SLAY THE DRAGON."

                                            - Saint George 

If they believe in Jesus Christ and are baptized,

It appears as a declaration of faith to overcome evil.

Is often interpreted symbolically as the victory of faith over wickedness.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 8:26-40

An angel of the Lord

The promise "I am with you always"

The belief that Jesus is always near,

even in darkness, one is never truly alone.

Jesus is Always Near By. Jesus Loves Us

Our Lord Jesus, We have a devoted friend in Jesus.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 6:1-7

In those days,