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God’s Plan of Salvation,

A Testimony to His Incredible Love for Us

Sunday, May 7, 2006
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 118:1,8-9,21-23,26,28,29
1 John 3:1-2
John 10:11-18

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

If you’ve ever admired a famous painting, you were probably struck by two things. First is the thought of how much sacrifice was required of the artist. Second, you were probably awed at the intricacy of the painting, and you wondered how the artist could have planned his or her work in such detail. Great sacrifice and awesome planning—we see these same two elements in today’s reading from the Gospel of John.

The sacrifice Jesus made is great because he made it freely. Jesus was clear that no one would take his life from him: “I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18). As Paul wrote, Jesus willingly laid his privileges aside, coming to earth as a man, and accepting “even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-9). The thought that the God who made the vast universe chose to become one of us and then died a shameful death for our sake is one we can hardly comprehend.

It’s comforting to know that the Father didn’t just send Jesus down to earth and hope for the best. He planned the whole thing from the beginning. Jesus himself understood the sacrifice of his cross as a “command from my Father” (John 10:18). Many times in his description of Jesus’ last days, John wrote that the Lord made his journey to Calvary in order to fulfill the words of the prophets. In other words, Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection were in the mind of God even before the Scriptures were written! Could any design be more awesome than that?

The genius of the world’s greatest paintings is nothing compared to what God’s artistry has worked out for us in the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ. Even our own lives are part of this great masterpiece, for we are “inscribed” in God’s book (Psalm 139:16)! Let us rejoice and rest secure, knowing that we too are part of God’s magnificent plan!

“Thank you, Jesus, for the incredible love that drew you to the cross to give me eternal life. Thank you for fulfilling exactly every detail of the Father’s plan for my salvation.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, we learn that there is no “other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.” The very use of Jesus' name by Peter healed a cripple! Why do you believe there is power in the name of Jesus, especially when we pray? How do you use the name of Christ? Share any times when you prayed for someone or something and God answered your prayer.
2. In the Responsorial Psalm, our response is “The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone “ Is Christ the cornerstone of your life, especially when you are immersed in the busyness of your day? What steps can you take to turn to the Lord more often during the day?
3. The second reading exalts in the love the Father has bestowed on us (“lavished on us” in another translation). So much so that we can now be called “children of God.” How much time do you spend talking to God, your Father, in daily prayer during the week? What steps can you take, individually or as a group, to spend more time in prayer?
4. The Gospel tells us the wonderful story in which Christ reveals himself as the Good Shepherd, who knows each one of us, and who gives his life for us. What experiences in your life can you say have been examples of when Christ was the “Good Shepherd” for you in a difficult time?
5. The Good Shepherd, Jesus, tells us that we can “know” him, and incredibly, just as he and the Father know each other. To know means to “apprehend with clarity or certainty,” to have a “thorough experience with.” What additional steps can you take during this Easter Season of grace to get better acquainted with Christ? To develop a deeper relationship with him?
6. In the meditation, and in the prayer at the end, we marvel at the Father’s plan of salvation -- one that was planned from all eternity, and was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In what way is the Lord calling you to enter more deeply into this plan of salvation by bringing others (including your children) to come to know the immense love of the Father and Jesus his Son?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen