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Daily Meditation: Acts 2:14, 36-41
They were cut to the heart. (Acts 2:37)
Peter’s preaching about Jesus on Pentecost powerfully affected the people who heard his message. They were “cut to the heart,” and three thousand of them turned to the Lord that day (Acts 2:37).
The Greek word used here for “cut” is katanussó, which literally means “to pierce” or “to prick.” Peter’s words acted as a sword, piercing the hearts of the people with the truth that they had sinned in rejecting Jesus and calling for him to be crucified. Imagine their pain and sorrow when they realized this—and the joy they must have felt when they repented and were baptized in his name! Washed clean and filled with his love, they began to live in an entirely new way.
You might say that the people in Jerusalem that day were like the sheep Jesus spoke about in the Gospel. He is the Good Shepherd who called them “by name” and beckoned them to follow him (John 10:3). “Cut to the heart,” they decided to give their hearts to him. What an appropriate story for Good Shepherd Sunday!
However we first came to follow Jesus, we have all been cut to the heart at one time or another by the truths of the gospel—especially when we’ve been convicted of our sins. But we aren’t the only ones who have experienced the pain and sorrow that sin causes. Jesus, our Shepherd, laid down his life for us to save us from our sin (John 10:11). Even now, his heart is pierced because so many of his sheep are missing out on the mercy he has to offer them. That’s why he will leave the ninety-nine to go after the one (Matthew 18:12). He longs for everyone to know him and follow him.
Today, thank Jesus for piercing your heart and filling you with his love. Rejoice that the good news of his salvation has the power to change hearts even now. Then pray for all the people you know who have yet to follow Jesus. Pray that they will be “cut to the heart” and find in that sorrow the greatest joy they could ever know.
“Good Shepherd, I want to follow you all the days of my life!”
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First Reading ⎯ Acts 2:14, 36-41
What is the difference between recognizing Jesus as “Messiah” and acknowledging him as “Lord”?
Though Jesus did all that was necessary to ensure our salvation how does Peter explain our personal responsibility?
Second Reading ⎯ 1 Peter 2:20-25
How does this freedom from sin enable us to live righteously?
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Gospel Reading ⎯ John 10:1-10
From this passage describe the activities of the shepherd.
In your own words how would you describe the characteristics of the sheep in this passage?
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6. How do you feel about the way these passages speak of the personal aspect of believing?
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