Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 26,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   John 10:1-10

(Jesus said) “Truly, I say to you, he that enters not by the door into the sheepfold but climbs up some other way is a thief and a robber. But he who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it to him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. But a stranger they will not follow but rather will flee from him because they know not the voice of strangers.”

This parable Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand the things that he spoke. Then Jesus said to them again, “Truly, I say unto you, I am the gate for the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door and if one enters in, he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and to destroy. I come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

The gospel reading for today from John recounts Jesus’ telling the followers and opposition alike that He was “the gate” to salvation and life in abundance unlike the “thieves and robbers” who came before to destroy. Jesus stresses His care for the sheep, calling them by name, leading them to life. As “the gate,” Jesus stands to protect the sheep again evildoers and harm and at the same time opens up to them the community of the Church.

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ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Almighty and Loving Father, we come to You today full of wonder and thanksgiving: wonder and awe at your loving presence and divine will for us and our salvation and thanksgiving for the gift of your precious and only-begotten Son. Send your Spirit to awaken within us the rightful recognition of your Son, Christ, as “the gate”, our protector from evil and our door to salvation, to life in abundance, to the community of Christ, to the Church. Grant that we may seek Jesus, listen for His voice in our lives, and follow where He leads us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more