Readings for the Day:
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24: Because Israel’s kings proved to be bad shepherds, Ezekiel declares that the Lord will assume the role of shepherd in Israel. The Lord will also set over them a shepherd-messiah, ‘my servant David,’ who will feed and care for the people.
Ephesians 1:15-23: In this passage, God is praised for revealing ultimate divine power in raising Jesus from the dead. The resurrected, exalted Christ is Lord of both the church and the entire universe, now and in the age to come.
Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus compares himself to a king who moves among his subjects to see how he is treated: what is done for the least of those who belong to his family is truly done for him.
‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’
Questions To Ponder:
1— How does the shepherd resemble the shepherd of Psalm 23 (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)
2—What is it that you give thanks for about the church? (Ephesians 1:15-23)
3—How have you experienced the presence of Jesus in someone you have helped? (Matthew 25:31-46)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?
Prayer: O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made. Amen.