MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 12 MAY
May 12, 2025
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA – 13th MAY
May 13, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
12 MAY, 2025
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds—those who climb in by another way, seeking to harm or exploit the sheep. He boldly declares, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” This is both an invitation and a safeguard. Jesus is the only true access to salvation, safety, and spiritual nourishment.
We are reminded that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep by name. He doesn’t see us as a faceless crowd but as beloved individuals. His voice is familiar to those who listen, and they follow because they trust Him. This relationship is personal and rooted in love, protection, and truth.
Jesus also speaks of the thief, who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, Jesus comes so that we “may have life, and have it to the full.” The Christian life isn’t meant to be one of mere survival, but of abundance in peace, purpose, and joy, even amid trials.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, thank You for calling me by name and for making Yourself the Gate through which I find safety, rest, and abundant life.
Help me to recognize Your voice above all the noise in this world and to follow You with trust and joy. Protect me from the thieves that seek to steal my peace and destroy my hope.
When I wander, gently lead me back to You. Let my heart rest in the truth that You came not to condemn, but to give life—real, full, and eternal. Teach me to trust in Your guidance and to listen closely to Your Spirit. May I become a voice of truth and love for others, pointing them to the one true Gate. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen
