The above video below is courtesy of Catholic Kids Media; please support their channel if you are able: https://www.patreon.com/catholickidsmedia OR Venmo: @catholickidsmedia 

In today's first reading Peter speaks to the leaders of the people and the elders, reminding them that Jesus the Christ, the Nazorean, is the name that saves.  He clearly states, "There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

Jesus, the Risen Christ is our means to salvation.  Do we fully understand what salvation is?  Do we fully understand the promise of eternal life?

Jesus Christ, the Nazorean is with us today to show us and to teach us these truths of our faith.  Ask Him to reveal these truths to you.

What is a cornerstone?  A cornerstone is that piece which gives a building its solid foundation, so it does not crumble.

Jesus is our cornerstone, yet generation after generation, he is rejected.  No matter what, Jesus will always be our firm foundation, our truth, our way, our life...the cornerstone! 

In today's second reading we are reminded of God's deep, abiding and unconditional love for us.  By virtue of our baptism, we become children of God.  As children of God, we know of the love of God, however "What we shall be has not been revealed.  We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."

 

In today's gospel Jesus calls himself something very specific; "I am the good shepherd.  A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

And we know that this is exactly what he did for us; he was obedient to the will of God, the Father, and sacrificed himself so that all humanity could have eternal life.

Sometimes I wonder if we Christians fully grasp the enormity of this truth.  Eternal life with God in heaven!  

Jesus is in the here and now, as our good shepherd, to take care of us, to guide us, and reconcile us (to bring us back) to himself.  One of the ways he does this is through the Eucharist.  He gives us himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity to nourish us, to strengthen us, and to guide us. The reception of the Eucharist is one way we show our love to God and one another.  We are united to Christ and his bride, the Church, the Body of Christ.  With the Eucharist we come to know God and one another.  With the Eucharist, we come to love God and neighbor.  With the Eucharist, we come to serve God and his Church.  It is only through the Holy Eucharist that our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, enters into our body and soul.