Fourth Sunday of Easter
Also Read: Mass Readings for 11 May 2025
“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”
First Reading: Acts 13: 14, 43-52
Moving on!
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. (42)
For this is what the Lord has commanded us:” ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ (47)
So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (51-52)
The congregation listening to Paul and Barnabas in the synagogue were so inspired when Paul and Barnabas were speaking to them that they invited them again! But there are some “Jews” possibly few among them, who begin to turn jealous. The disciples don’t waste much time or energy there, once they realize their words are not welcome there; they literally just follow the Lord’s command, shaking off the dust of their feet and move on! (Mt. 10:14) It is worth noting that the disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit when they act upon the teachings of the Lord!
It must come as no surprise that acting on the teachings of the Lord, leads us closer to the Holy Spirit and fills us with Joy! Let us bear this in mind going forward! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 1-2, 3, 5
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. (1)
Alleluia!
Second Reading: Revelation 7: 9, 14b-17
“Called From Every Nation!”
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (9)
The description here tells us about how every nation, tribe, people, and language are present before God! They are the ones who received the word of God and responded in free will to accept the truth and right. As Christ said, “many are called few are chosen!” (Mt. 22:14) Not all of those who say “Lord, Lord!” shall enter HIS kingdom! Let us be vigilant and prepare our hearts! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Alleluia: John 10: 14
Alleluia, Alleluia!
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me!”
The Lord knows us and we Know the Lord too! Deep within our hearts the conscience that pricks us sometimes, could well be the voice of the Lord guiding us!
Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10: 27-30
“His Sheep!”
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (29)
The Lord God our Father has destined us to follow Jesus Christ that we may enter His eternal glory! We are privileged and blessed! Unless the Father calls us we wouldn’t be able to follow His son! Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (Gal 4:6) It is only through the Holy Spirit living in us that we are able to call God our Father and be redeemed by his son Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, we, the blessed people of God, must not shrink away or become despaired. The Apostles and Jesus Christ too faced jealous people, even with all the wonderful works they performed! There could be a spiritual battle always going on, sometimes we face it profoundly and visibly. Sometimes this battle is invisible and subtle. Let us remain strong in the faith, that “no one can snatch us out of our Father’s hand!” Neither can anyone snatch anything from us, that is truly ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
