Fourth Sunday of Easter
Also Read: Mass Readings for 21 April 2024 Homily for 21 April 2024 – Sunday
First Reading: Acts 4: 8-12
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. (8-10)
Today’s reading describes how St. Peter speaks with boldness about the truth! The Holy Spirit leads him, and in Jesus’ name, there is healing power. As the people wonder at the miracle St. Peter had performed, he proclaims the only name that can heal.
Let us earnestly ask the LORD to help us remain in the Holy Spirit all the time. We must allow ourselves to be led by Him alone. We can speak healing over ourselves and others around us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118: 1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in mortals. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (8-9)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. (29)
Amen, Alleluia!
Second Reading: First John 3: 1-2
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1)
We praise and thank God for his mercies on us. He calls us his children and we are redeemed. Let us remind ourselves about this fact when we are doubted or criticized. Let us keep firm in the Rock of Jesus Christ our Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: John 10: 14
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me! Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10: 11-18
The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. (12)
We know the leader by the way he leads his pack. Our Lord Jesus showed us the way as we recognize our Saviour and try to emulate him in our lives. In our families and those around us, we can shine the light for others. Not speaking up or taking action at the right time makes us the ‘hired hand’ and it mirrors to us, who we are! There could be small everyday choices or those affecting us in the long term, we must exude the confidence we beget through Jesus Christ Our Lord!
Let us take off the wolf’s clothing and embrace the sheep within us. The sheep in us is led by the Lion of Judah, therefore we will rejoice in Him.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
