The sheepfold is the Church. We must enter the Church through the Gate, that is, Jesus (Jn 10:7). We must also enter ministry in the Church through Jesus. This not only means that all members and ministers in the Church must be baptized. It also means we all must be living out our baptism by repentance and faith in Jesus. That's why the Church called us to renew our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday three weeks ago. How many people have entered ministry in the Church through education, professional abilities, friendship, or need, but did not enter through the Gate, Jesus?
For example, John may be the church organist because he's a good organist, although he has no personal relationship with God. First of all, church organists ought to personally know Jesus, the Head of the Church, and then be good organists. Sandy should teach the third grade in Catholic school because she has been called by Jesus into this ministry, not only because she is a certified and capable teacher.
We have to become sheep of Christ before we can share in Christ's ministry of shepherding the sheep.
| PRAYER: | Risen Jesus, show us the difference between Your Church and a humanitarian organization. |
| PROMISE: | Peter "kept urging, 'Save yourselves from this generation which has gone astray.' " –Acts 2:40 |
| PRAISE: | "Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name!" |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College