Monday of the 4th Week of Easter

• First Reading - Acts 11:1-18: Peter recounted a vision and divine guidance that led him to preach to Gentiles, who then received the Holy Spirit. His explanation silenced critics, affirming God's inclusive salvation.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 42: Like a deer thirsts for water, my soul craves you, O God. Let your light and truth guide me to your holy presence, where I will joyfully praise you.
• Gospel - John 10:11-18: Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. He contrasts the Good Shepherd with a hired hand who abandons the sheep in times of danger, and explains that he willingly sacrifices himself for the salvation of his followers, who recognize and listen to his voice.

I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15

For Monday of the 4th Week of Easter, the readings emphasize God's inclusive plan of salvation and the commitment of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

• God's plan includes everyone: Peter explains that Gentiles also received the Holy Spirit, showing God's intention to include all people in His salvation. This teaches us that God's love and salvation are for everyone, not just a selected few.
• Silencing the critics: When Peter shares his vision and the events with the Gentiles, his critics stop objecting. This shows the power of God's truth to bring understanding and peace among believers.
• Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who cares deeply for His sheep, unlike a hired hand who leaves when danger appears. This tells us about Jesus' commitment and love for us.
• Sacrifice for the sheep: Jesus talks about laying down His life for His sheep. This highlights His willingness to sacrifice Himself for our salvation, showing the depth of His love.
• Followers recognize His voice: Jesus mentions that His sheep recognize and follow His voice. This teaches us the importance of knowing Jesus' teachings and following Him closely.

So the readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter remind us that God's salvation is open to all people and that Jesus is committed to us like a shepherd to his sheep.

The readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter invite us to reflect on the themes of inclusion and unity in the context of our faith.

In Acts 11:1-18, we see Peter defending his decision to share the gospel with the Gentiles, emphasizing that God's message of salvation is meant for all people, not just the Jews. Similarly, in John 10:11-18, Jesus speaks of bringing together his followers to form one flock under one shepherd, emphasizing the importance of unity among believers.

As we reflect on these themes, we are reminded that our faith calls us to be inclusive and to value all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Peter and Jesus, and to share the message of God's love and salvation with everyone we encounter, without exception. This requires us to be open-minded, compassionate, and willing to engage with people from all walks of life, just as Jesus did.

Furthermore, we are reminded of the importance of unity in our faith community. As believers, we are all part of the same flock, and we are called to work together to build a strong and cohesive community that is centered around our shared love for God. This requires us to put aside our differences and to focus on the things that unite us, rather than the things that divide us.

As we continue on our journey of faith, let us keep these themes of inclusion and unity at the forefront of our minds. May we be inspired by the examples of Peter and Jesus, and may we strive to build a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and united in our love for God.

Prayer for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter

Loving God, may we always remember your message of inclusion and unity, and may we strive to live our lives in accordance with these values. Help us to be compassionate, open-minded, and willing to embrace all people, just as you embrace us. Amen.

Word on Fire: Meant to Be

In Bishop Robert Barron's reflection for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter, he discusses Jesus's self-description as the good shepherd, emphasizing the deep, intuitive connection between Jesus and his followers. This bond allows them to recognize and respond to His voice amidst many distractions. Barron suggests that this recognition is not due to mere chance or background but because people are inherently attuned to respond to Christ, similar to how a child recognizes their true calling. This natural resonance with Jesus's voice draws people closer to Him and His teachings.

What date is Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

The Mass readings for Monday April 22, 2024 are:
First Reading - Acts 11:1-18: Peter's Defense of the Inclusion of Gentiles
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 42: Longing for God's Presence
Gospel - John 10:11-18: The Good Shepherd's Sacrifice

What does Peter explain in the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Peter explains his vision and the divine guidance he received that led him to preach to the Gentiles, who then received the Holy Spirit.

What is the significance of the vision Peter had, according to the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

The vision signifies God's intention to extend salvation beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles, marking a pivotal expansion of the early Church.

How do Peter's critics respond to his explanation in the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

His critics are silenced and come to accept that God's salvation is also intended for the Gentiles, not just the Jews.

What happens to the Gentiles in the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

The Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit after Peter preaches to them, demonstrating God's acceptance and inclusion of all people in His plan of salvation.

What lesson can we learn from Peter's experience with the Gentiles for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

This teaches us about the universality of God's salvation and the importance of being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance in reaching out to all people.

What is the main message Jesus conveys in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for His sheep, contrasting Himself with a hired hand who does not care for the sheep.

Why does Jesus refer to Himself as the Good Shepherd in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd to emphasize His dedication and self-sacrifice for His followers, showing His willingness to lay down His life for them.

What does Jesus say about His relationship with His sheep in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Jesus explains that His sheep recognize and listen to His voice, indicating a close, personal relationship between Him and His followers.

How does the concept of the Good Shepherd contrast with that of the hired hand in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

The Good Shepherd (Jesus) is caring and self-sacrificing, while the hired hand represents those who abandon the sheep in danger because they lack genuine concern.

Why is it important that Jesus lays down His life for His sheep, as mentioned in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Jesus' sacrificial love is central to Christian faith, symbolizing His ultimate act of love and protection for His followers, leading to their salvation.