Introduction
This Gospel story contains the words of Jesus, teaching about His role as the Good Shepherd to those who follow Him.
The Gospel Account
Biblical literature in the Prophetic books and Psalms describe how God is the true shepherd who takes care of the nation Israel. Jesus claims Divine authority to pastor God’s people and lead them to safety.
The Good Shepherd Rosary Reflection contains the selected verses of Jesus’ words about His care for God’s people from Chapter 10 of the Gospel pf John. The full passage is found in John 10:1-18.
The Five Decades
When you pray the five decades of this Rosary Reflection, use these five moments from Mary’s prayer in the Gospel. Read the Gospel verses for each decade and let the words sink in as you pray that decade.
First Decade: Jesus Brings Abundant Life (John 10:10)
[Jesus said:] “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Second Decade: Jesus Lays Down His Life for the Sheep (John 10:11)
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Third Decade: Jesus Knows His Own (John 10:14-15)
“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;
Fourth Decade: Jesus Gathers All People to Himself (John 10:16)
“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also must I lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
Fifth Decade: Jesus Masters Life and Death (John 10:17-18)
“That is why 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 on my own. I have the power to lay it down, and the power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.”
What to Remember
These Gospel verses reflect the words of Jesus and His mission to love, protect, and save God’s people.
As a follower of Jesus, you can lean on His words to provide confidence, courage, and compassion for your life’s journey, as well as the lives of your loved ones. You can trust Jesus to give abundant life to you, to know you personally, to unite all people, and to be the master of life and death. No matter what circumstances happen in life, Jesus is there to lead, guide, protect, and love you.
Intention and Prayer Circle
- For greater openness to believe that Jesus is your Good Shepherd with you every moment.
- For those who are lost and frightened at life, that they will experience God’s care for them.
- For all priests, pastors, religious women and men who lay down their lives for the Gospel.
- For all who serve in pastoral care ministry, that they will bring God’s love to those whom they serve.
Feel free to pray the rosary using this Gospel for a deeper connection with Jesus, the Good Shepherd to experience His love for you.
When This Gospel Appears
This Gospel account appears on Good Shepherd Sunday, which occurs every year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. The latest appearance was May 8, 2022.
* Scripture passages are from the United Conference of Catholic Bishops website, https://usccb.org/bible
