You are a disciple. Jesus has sent you on ahead of him to preach and heal—to bring the deep peace of God to people. It’s a bit frightening at times, this mission you’re on, because it’s a path that doesn’t promise much earthly security and sometimes leaves you vulnerable. Like the way of the cross, it can be difficult, even painful. At times you may even face rejection.

How have you been called in your life? Who have been your “Elijahs”?

Fast-food culture has taken its toll on eating habits. More and more people are eating on the run, on their own, at their desks, or even in their cars.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed, perhaps after experiencing a traumatic event or receiving bad news?

Have you ever inherited money or property, perhaps from a parent or other close relative who has died? Do you recall feeling that you were being given something that you had not really earned or “deserved,” something that was pure gift?

When do you feel most “at one” with those around you? A shared faith helps us feel the warm kinship Jesus describes in today’s gospel.

Imagine what it would be like to have Jesus literally “make his dwelling” with you, as he promised he and the Father would do with those who were faithful.

Difficult as it is to admit, there is a bit of a “Judas” in each one of us. At one time or another, we all probably have faced the unpleasant realization that we have betrayed someone or something we held dear.

Though the church tags this day “Good Shepherd Sunday,” scripture’s emphasis is as much or more on the shepherding than on the shepherds.

When have you been faced with the choice between obeying God and following human rules and laws? What did you do? How did you decide?