Episode 3063: The Wounded Flock - Morning Episode

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Book Recommendation of the Day
Saint Stanislaus (Bishop and Martyr): Discover the Remarkable Life and Legacy of Saint Stanislaus, Patron Saint of Poland by Jonathan V. Terrell. This 96-page work offers a vivid portrayal of his life, from his humble beginnings in Szczepanów to his martyrdom at the hands of King Bolesław II, highlighting his courage, conviction, and enduring impact on Polish history and Catholic spirituality.
The Good Shepherd and the Wounded Flock: A Call to Follow in Love and Sacrifice
Today is Wednesday in the week after the Second Sunday after Easter, and the Church continues to meditate on one of the most tender and yet powerful images in all of Scripture: Christ as the Good Shepherd.
We hear again from St. Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, who calls us to follow in Christ’s footsteps. And from the lips of Our Savior Himself, we hear that the Good Shepherd is not one who avoids suffering, but lays down His life for His sheep.
These are not abstract theological ideas. These are the patterns of our daily discipleship. Let us listen to the readings and allow them to shape our hearts.
Before providing you with todays scripture readings lets say a prayer for the selection of a new Pope as the conclave opens today.
Epistle — 1 Peter 2:21–25
"Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps."
Reflection on the Epistle:
The words of St. Peter come with great weight not just because he is pope, but because he is one who has fallen, repented, and been restored. He knows the pain of denying Christ, and the joy of being forgiven. And so he writes to a suffering Church, calling her to imitate the Lord in His Passion.
“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth... who when He suffered, threatened not... by Whose stripes you were healed.”
In this reading, Peter reminds us that suffering is not optional for the Christian. It is a participation in the mystery of redemption. It is a path that heals not just us, but others.
St. Peter adds, "You were as sheep going astray, but now you are returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." This return is not just a change in behavior. It’s a return to Christ crucified, to the Cross, to the Heart of the Good Shepherd, Who goes after the lost sheep.
Today, many are wounded in soul some because of sin, others because of scandal or betrayal by false shepherds. But Peter reminds us: the true Shepherd remains. He heals, He seeks, He saves.
Gospel: John 10:11–16
"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep."
Reflection on the Gospel:
In this Gospel, Our Lord does not just call Himself a shepherd but the Good Shepherd.
He immediately contrasts Himself with the hireling, who runs at the sight of the wolf. How many such hirelings we have seen in our own times those who abandon truth, water down doctrine, or refuse to confront evil out of fear or comfort.
But Christ stands firm. He faces the wolf. He protects the flock.
“I know mine, and mine know Me... and I lay down My life for My sheep.”
This is not mere poetry. It is the heart of the Gospel.
• The Shepherd is not distant from the pain of the sheep. He enters it.
• He does not simply lead us to safety. He dies to bring us there.
• And He gathers not only the sheep of Israel, but calls others into one fold, under one Shepherd this is a prophetic call to the universality of the Catholic Church.
As St. Gregory the Great once wrote:
“To be a pastor is to suffer with the sheep, to fight for their good, and if necessary, to die defending them.”
And so today, Christ calls each of us to follow Him not only as sheep, but as future shepherds, leaders, witnesses, and saints who will lay down their lives in little and great ways.
Saints of the Day — St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr
Although not universally commemorated on this day in all regions, the Traditional Calendar honors St. Stanislaus, Bishop of Kraków, who was murdered during Mass by the king for upholding the moral law.
Like the Good Shepherd, Stanislaus did not run when the wolf came in the form of royal corruption. He stood firm. He gave his life.
He reminds us that martyrdom may come in many forms, but fidelity always bears fruit.
His life echoes today’s Gospel:
“The Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep.”
Three Quotes for Meditation
1 Peter 2:21
“Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow His steps.”
John 10:11
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd giveth His life for His sheep.”
St. John Vianney:
“The priest is not for himself he is for you. He does not belong to himself, he belongs to Christ.”
Conclusionary Prayer
O Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy people, Who didst suffer and die that we might live, grant us the grace to walk in Thy footsteps, bearing our crosses with love, and laying down our lives in union with Thine.
Through the intercession of St. Peter, St. Stanislaus, and all holy shepherds, make Thy Church firm in truth, burning with charity, and fearless in the face of persecution.
O Mary, Mother of the Church, watch over the flock of Thy Son, and lead us safely to the eternal pastures of Heaven.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.