Today’s Catholic Reflection
In Acts 11:1-18, Peter returns to Jerusalem after preaching to the Gentiles. The Jewish believers express their concerns about his actions. They question him for associating with those who are uncircumcised. Peter shares his vision of a sheet filled with clean and unclean animals. A voice from heaven tells him not to call anything impure that God has made clean. He explains that the Holy Spirit came upon the Gentiles just as it did for the Jewish believers. This leads him to understand that God has granted them the gift of salvation.
In John 10:11-18, Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd. He speaks of his willingness to sacrifice his life for his sheep. He contrasts this with a hired hand who leaves the sheep in danger. Jesus knows his followers deeply, just as he is known by the Father. He mentions that he has other sheep outside of his current fold, showing a mission that extends beyond his immediate followers. He asserts his authority over life and death, explaining that he lays down his life willingly and has the power to take it up again.