Fourth Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday
Lectionary: 50 (NAB Readings) (Jerusalem Bible Readings)
Reading 1
ACTS 4:8-12
This week’s first reading continues in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. In this section of the story, Peter is speaking before the Sanhedrin to address his healing of the cripple beggar. St Peter’s relentless preaching of Jesus drew much attention from the Jewish leaders that wanted him to stop.
St. Peter boldly preaches that there is no other way to salvation besides Jesus, and this should inspire us to know that if we believe strongly that this is true, we shouldn’t back down from the Truth.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
- (22) The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
Reading 2
1 John 3:1-2
This week’s second reading from St John’s first letter is softer tone. He writes of a softening tone to remind us that we can’t expect the world to accept and love us for being Christians. If the world chose to try to kill Jesus instead of worship Him, we can only expect that they will do the same with us if we try to live in imitation of Him.
Take heart, for one day, He will be revealed, and all will be made right. We can be confident in this Truth.
Alleluia John 10:14
Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
Good Shepherd
Gospel
John 10:11-18
This week’s Gospel from St. John is the reason this day is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. We hear Jesus begin the reading by proclaiming Himself the good shepherd. He shows His love and care for His people by not being a tyrant of orders, but instead comes to live and protect His flock. His mission is to keep us close to Him where we are safe.
Many times we see Jesus as a man that is only out to tell what not to do. In this reading, we are reminded that His care for us is not based on an obligation, but rather, a genuine love and desire for our best intentions.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
Please consider using the following meditation for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 26):
- Have you ever thought or uttered the phrase, “I’d give my life for that”? Maybe you meant it or maybe it was just an expression. After today’s Gospel, prayerfully consider what you would really give your life for.
