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

The readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter focus on God’s call to all people, the role of the Good Shepherd, and the unity of God’s family. They invite us to reflect on how we respond to God’s voice and how we live as part of His flock.

• God’s Call to All: The first reading highlights that God’s invitation extends to everyone, not just a specific group. This shows that His mercy and love are meant for all who turn to Him.
• The Good Shepherd: In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He shows His deep care and willingness to sacrifice for those who follow Him.
• Listening to God’s Voice: Both readings emphasize the importance of listening to God. The sheep recognize the Shepherd’s voice, and Peter listens to God’s message to welcome others into the faith.
• Unity in God’s Family: Peter’s vision in the first reading reveals that all people are invited into God’s family. This reminds us that there is no division in the love of Christ.
• The Shepherd’s Sacrifice: Jesus speaks about laying down His life for His sheep. This shows the depth of His love and His commitment to save us from sin.
• Faithful Leadership: Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd teaches us about faithful leadership and care for others. It calls us to follow His example in how we guide and care for those entrusted to us.

Monday of the 4th Week of Easter reminds us to listen for God’s voice and trust in the Good Shepherd who leads us. The readings call us to embrace unity in God’s family and live in the love and care of Christ.

The readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter show us the openness of God’s love and the care of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. They remind us that His call is for all people and that we are invited to follow His example of leadership and service. These reflections encourage us to listen for God’s voice and trust in His guidance.

God’s Family Is Open to All

The first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter highlights Peter’s vision, where God reveals that His love is for everyone. Peter realizes that the message of salvation is not limited to one group but is for all who believe. This is a moment of growth for the early Church, as it begins to embrace people from every nation.

This vision reminds us that God does not show favoritism. His family is open to everyone, no matter their background or past. We are all invited to be part of His kingdom through faith and trust in Him.

This reading calls us to reflect on our own openness to others. Are we willing to welcome and include those who may be different from us? Peter’s vision encourages us to see every person as loved and valued by God.

The Good Shepherd’s Example

The Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter shows Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows His sheep and leads them with care. A shepherd is not just a leader but someone who protects, guides, and sacrifices for the flock. Jesus models what faithful and loving leadership looks like.

This example teaches us how to care for those entrusted to us, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. Leadership is not about power but about serving others and helping them grow. Jesus shows that true leadership means being willing to give of yourself for the good of others.

We are called to follow the Good Shepherd’s example in our own lives. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger responsibilities, we can reflect His care by looking out for those in need. His leadership inspires us to guide others with love and humility.

Listening and Following

Both readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter emphasize the importance of listening to God. In the first reading, Peter listens to God’s direction in the vision and opens his heart to welcome all people. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the sheep who know His voice and follow where He leads.

Listening to God requires trust and attentiveness. It means setting aside distractions and being open to His guidance, even when it is unexpected. The sheep follow the shepherd because they recognize His voice and trust in His care.

These readings encourage us to ask ourselves if we are truly listening for God’s voice in our lives. Are we willing to follow where He leads, even when it feels uncertain? Trusting in the Good Shepherd helps us to walk the right path and remain close to Him.

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The reflections for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter challenge us to welcome others, follow Jesus’ example, and stay attentive to His call. May we walk closely with the Good Shepherd, sharing His love and care with those around us.

Prayer

Lord, open our hearts to hear Your voice and follow where You lead. Help us to welcome others with love and to care for them as You care for us. Guide us to trust You and to share Your goodness with the world. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you be more open to welcoming others into God’s family?
• What can you learn from the Good Shepherd about caring for others?
• How do you listen for God’s voice in your daily life?
• What steps can you take to follow God’s guidance more closely?

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?

The next date is Monday May 12, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Monday May 12, 2025 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

Why did Peter defend his actions in the first reading for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Peter explained his actions because some believers questioned why he welcomed non-Jews. He shared how God revealed that His message is for all people.

What does Peter’s vision teach us?

Peter’s vision shows that God does not show favoritism. His love and invitation are for everyone who believes and follows Him.

What can we learn from Peter’s obedience in the first reading?

Peter’s obedience shows us how to trust God, even when His plans seem surprising. It reminds us to follow God’s guidance and be open to His will.

Who is the Good Shepherd in the Gospel for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. He cares for His followers, protects them, and willingly sacrifices for them.

What does it mean to listen to God’s voice?

Listening to God’s voice means paying attention to His Word and following His guidance. It also means trusting that He leads us where we need to go.

Why is the Shepherd’s sacrifice important?

The Good Shepherd lays down His life to save His sheep. Jesus’ sacrifice shows the depth of His love and how much He wants to save us from sin.

How does the Gospel show Jesus’ care for His followers?

Jesus knows His followers personally, like a shepherd knows his sheep. He is always watching over them and leading them to safety.

Why is Jesus called the Good Shepherd?

Jesus is called the Good Shepherd because He leads, protects, and cares for His followers. He is also willing to lay down His life for their sake.

How do the readings show unity in God’s family?

The first reading reveals that God’s love is for all people, breaking down barriers. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus unites all His followers as one flock under His care.

How can we apply these readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter to our lives?

We can listen for God’s guidance, trust in Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and embrace unity with others in His family. These readings encourage us to live in love and faith.