Fourth Sunday in Easter - A- April 26, 2026
Unlike Western shepherds who drive their herds from behind with trained dogs, Palestinians led their flocks with a unique call. Sheep aren't the most intelligent animals in the world, but they do recognize their human leader. And they respond to the loving care that call represents. Shouldn't we respond in kind to the Lord's call?
FIRST READING After Peter preached to the crowd at Pentecost, his audience requested guidance. What should they do? The apostle urged them to repent and believe.
PSALM Psalm 23 famously begins "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." It reassured the pilgrim on his journey and promised a feast when he arrived at the Temple.
SECOND READING The author of 1 Peter urged his audience to act like Jesus. He suffered for doing good. He died on the cross for others. Christians should be willing to follow in his footsteps.
GOSPEL John 10 presents us with the image of the shepherd and the sheep gate. Jesus would lead his followers into the Kingdom. And he would act as the gate to the divine realm.
DAILY READINGS for the Third Week in Easter.
FEAST OF ST. MARK April 25, 2026
CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Sam challenged Brad to handle his father's rifle. But, Brad instinctively knew the difference between what he could do and what he should not do. Peter challenged his Pentecost audience to use their moral compass and choose to change. In the story for the gospel, Jade waited for her mother to pick her up from her after-school program. She felt insecure on a cold, drizzly day. When could she feel warm and loved? Of course, when her mother showed up. Jesus offers us a sense of security in his community. After all, he is the Good Shepherd.
CATECHISM LINK This week, we investigate the care of the Lord in the Eucharist.
FAMILY ACTIVITY Use the care of your pet as a means to discuss how Jesus cares for us.