Today’s readings teach us important lessons on obedience to God, worship and love. In the First Reading, we read about the apostles being transformed from coward men into those with great boldness. They stand firm in their faith when questioned by the high priest and obey God rather than people. The Gospel reading helps us to understand our calling to care for each other.

Service involves sacrifice, and Jesus is waiting to strengthen us. He is the Good Shepherd, and we are invited to follow his example. By serving others, we tend and feed as Jesus instructed Peter. This service can take many forms, it can be practical acts like helping a person in need or spiritual acts like praying for the living and the dead. Let us resort to loving the Lord through our actions and not merely through our words. True love for Jesus is displayed in how we treat those around us. When we support those around us, we are living out his command to love and showing that our love for Jesus is genuine and strong.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we heed your call to obey you, and show our love through action. Amen.