Sunday Micro Retreat – April 21, 2024

As you begin your time of reflection, try to realize that you are standing on holy ground and in the presence of God, who wants to talk to you and listen to you.

Make the Sign of the Cross. The Holy Spirit is opening your heart and mind so the Word of God that you are about to read can flourish in you for God's glory. Pray that you continue to work with his grace. Let the words or your prayer flow from your mind through your heart. Try to "feel" what you are saying.

Is there anything you would like to ask God now? What graces does your heart desire?
Talk to God about it.

Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep.
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
(John 10:11-18)

The Word of God touches everyone differently. If there is anything that really stood out for you in this reading, meditate on it. Go to the depths of your heart and listen to what God is trying to say to you.

Next, let's spend some time reflecting on the following points:

1. Understanding the Role of the Shepherd
What qualities does Jesus describe in Himself as the "good shepherd"? How do these qualities affect your perception of His leadership in your life?

2. Personal Relationship
Jesus says, "I know my own and my own know me." How do you experience this personal knowledge of and by Jesus in your spiritual life? What steps can you take to enhance this relationship?

3. Sacrifice and Love
Reflect on the phrase, "I lay down my life for the sheep." What does this expression of ultimate sacrifice tell you about Jesus’ love? How does this influence your response to His call in your life?

4. Inclusivity of Jesus’ Mission
Jesus mentions other sheep that are not of this fold. Who could these 'other sheep' represent today, and how does this broaden your understanding of the universal call of the Gospel?

5. Obedience and Authority
Jesus speaks about having the authority to lay down His life and take it up again. What does this suggest about His divine authority and obedience to the Father? How does this shape your view of obedience in your own spiritual journey?

6. Listening and Following
"They will listen to my voice." How can you better attune yourself to listen to Jesus' voice amidst the many distractions and voices in the world today?

It is good to keep a personal journal where reflections that stood out for you are recorded.
The outcome of those Sunday Micro Retreats is good material that you can talk about in your spiritual direction.