1. “Almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” Does it seem that they liked what they heard? What made Paul and Barnabas decide to preach to the Gentiles? Was salvation planned for the Gentiles from the beginning or was this a change of plans?

2. Were Paul and Barnabas instruments in spreading God’s word? Are you an instrument in any way? For racial justice or eco-justice? What did they do when they met with opposition? Is there any situation where “shaking the dust off your feet in protest” and moving on, might help you or the situation?

Second Reading
Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

1. Do you yourself need to hear “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes,” or are those words for other people?

2. “They will not hunger or thirst anymore.” When you encounter conflict regarding social justice and the people who suffer because of it, what do you do?  What would you like to do?

Gospel
John 10:27-30

1. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.” Do You? Maybe in your heart? Or in homilies, or in the poor, or in people around you? In books, poems, nature? Any of the above? All of the above?

2. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. According to Pope Francis, is there anyone who is not one of his sheep?

Christ’s love is not selective; it embraces everyone. He himself reminds us of this in the Gospel when he says: “And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd” (Jn 10:16). These words testify to his universal concern: He is everyone’s shepherd. Jesus wants everyone to be able to receive the Father’s love and encounter God.

And the Church is called to carry on this mission of Christ. Aside from those who participate in our communities, there are many people, the majority, who do so only at particular moments or never. But this does not mean they are not God’s children: the Father entrusts everyone to Jesus the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for everyone.

Good Shepherd Sunday Angelus
Pope Francis, April 25, 2021