Themes of Faith from the Fourth Sunday of Easter, 2010

Prayer Intention: O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads.

The Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.
He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [Bible translation of Verses 1-4: New Revised Standard Version]

He spreads a sumptuous feast for me
While enemies are viewing;
Annoints my head for all to see.
With oil 0f gladness flowing.
Goodness and mercy surely shall
Follow my steps, and I will dwell
Within His house forever

[Translation of Verses 5-6 - Metrical text by Robert E. Wunderlich translated from the German lyrics of the following composition by Heinrich Schütz performed at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Coral Gables, Florida ]


Gospel According to the Apostle John 10: 23-29
[In Jerusalem]...Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the [Jewish religious leaders] gathered around him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.