A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said:

I am the good shepherd;

the good shepherd is one who would die for the sheep.

The hired hand, who is neither shepherd nor owner of the sheep,
catches sight of the wolf coming

and runs away, leaving the sheep

to be snatched and scattered by the wolf.

That is because the one who is hired works only for pay,
and has no concern for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd.

I know my sheep
and my sheep know me

in the same way that the Creator knows me
and I know the Creator;

for these sheep I will give my life.

I have other sheep

that do not belong to this fold.

I must lead them, too,

and they will hear my voice.

There will be one flock, then,
one shepherd.

The Creator loves me for this:
that I lay down my life
to take it up again.

No one takes it from me;

I lay it down freely.

I have power to lay it down,

and I have power to take it up again.

This command I received from the Creator.

The Good News as spoken through John.