June 6, 2025 // Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter // Optional Memorial of Saint Norbert, Bishop
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 21:15-19
Reflect on the Word //
Walter laid on his bed waiting for the day nurse to come and dress him before letting us enter the room. I was accompanying my mom on a very holy visit—she was entrusted with bringing our Eucharistic Lord to some parishioners who were homebound. Walter was one of our unique “sheep” whom we came to “feed” with the Living Bread. He had a very rough exterior and barely spoke a word to us most days. I was convinced he didn’t like us very much. But I also knew that he really loved Jesus and wanted to be fed by Him, no matter the hand that brought Him to his bedside.
In today’s Gospel, I can see both realities of being the shepherd: he is called to both feed and tend the sheep while also remembering that, one day, he too will need to be cared for, that he himself will be shepherded, and taken where he does not want to go (see John 21:18). While speaking to Saint Peter, our Lord also speaks to all of us. As His disciples we are partakers in His shepherding of souls, the call to tend to them and feed them. “Feed my sheep” the Lord says to us (John 21:17)—but what do we feed them with? With His Word and presence, with His truth and love—through a kind word, a warm meal, an attentive phone call, a passing smile, a tender correction, the list goes on.
You and I are called, sister, to be like Peter, to bring Jesus to others—especially to the most estranged, to the prodigals, to the ones who can no longer dress themselves and go where they would like. And as we feed them and care for them with the love of Christ Himself working through us, may we remember that we, too, need to be shepherded, tended to, fed, and led by the hand.
In all of life’s circumstances and trials, let us see His hand guiding us. May we keep walking, following close behind our Shepherd Who whispers to us daily, “Follow me” (John 21:19).
Relate to the Lord // Consider going to daily Mass one day this week and let the Shepherd feed you.
Rocio Hermes is a Dominican-born, US-raised, stay-at-home mom who is excited about building community, baking desserts, and writing poetry. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology and has lived in Ethiopia as a missionary. Rocio now lives in Israel with her German husband and their son. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Dwell as well as Teaching Author on Blessed Conversations: Gift, a Study on the Eucharist. You can read more from her at graceandmercyblog.com.
Rocío Hermes es una mama de casa nacida en República Dominicana y criada en Estados Unidos, a quien le entusiasma construir una comunidad, hornear postres y escribir poesía. Tiene una maestría en Teología y ha vivido en Etiopía como misionera. Rocío ahora vive en Israel con su marido alemán y su hijo. Es autora colaboradora de Blessed Conversations: Dwell. Puede leer más sobre ella en Graceandmercyblog.com.
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