Our first reading is an account of St. Peter defending the healing of a man in Jesus’ name. The boldness of St. Peter’s words stands out like a lightning bolt in a dark sky. That Jesus is the one responsible for this man being restored to health through a miracle. That Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone of a new way of relating to God. And that through Jesus alone forgiveness of sins is accomplished. Our salvation rests in no other name. I think we can sometimes stand in awe of how the Apostles brought the Gospel to every corner of the known world. The resolve and belief in their own testimony is something we should all aspire to recreate in our own lives, especially in a culture that believes that every truth is just as valid.

Christ’s message in the Gospel this weekend is one of my favorite images, that of the Good Shepherd. One that lays down His life for you and me. One that keeps the wolves of this world at bay by sacrificing Himself. Ronald Knox, a Catholic writer from wartime Britain, wrote that if Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and the people are His flock, then the clergy are His sheep dogs, responsible for listening to the direction of God and turning the sheep in accord with the will of our Good Shepherd. It is a challenge for me to spend the time in prayer and reflection every day to make sure that I am listening to God, and then figure out how to best nip at your heels to get you moving towards Him, not myself.

May the Love, Peace and Grace of God be with you,

Fr. Adam