Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
Tuesday April 20, 2027
First Reading: Acts 11:19–26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 87
Gospel: John 10:22–30
Key Theme: Belonging to Jesus
Focus: Hearing His voice
Summary: The readings show the Church growing as people share the message of Jesus. Believers are first called Christians and form a strong community. Jesus speaks of His followers as sheep who know His voice and are safe with Him.
Challenge: Stay close to Jesus by listening for His voice each day. Let your actions show that you belong to Him. Be willing to share your faith with others.
Action Step: Take a moment to read a short Gospel passage and listen for what Jesus is saying to you.
Verse to Remember: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Listening And Belonging
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter invites us to think about what it means to belong to Jesus and to his Church. The readings speak about hearing his voice, trusting him, and staying close to the life he offers. This day reminds us that faith is lived out in daily choices, not just big moments.
In the first reading, we see the early Church growing in new places and among new people. The message of Jesus spreads beyond familiar circles. Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter shows how the Christian community was shaped by teaching, welcome, and shared life. It also shows that faith grows when people support one another.
The Gospel turns our attention to Jesus as the shepherd. He knows his people, and they know him. This image speaks to safety, trust, and care. Together, the readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter encourage us to listen closely, stay connected, and live as part of a wider community of believers.
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 11:19-26: Persecuted believers spread the gospel beyond Jewish communities, reaching Greeks in Antioch with great success. Barnabas and Saul taught there, where followers were first called Christians.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 87: God cherishes Zion above all and great things are declared about it. Nations like Egypt, Babylon, and Ethiopia recognize their origins in Zion, established by the Most High.
- Gospel – John 10:22-30: Jesus is walking in the temple during the feast of dedication (Hanukkah) and is asked by the Jews to tell them plainly whether He is the Messiah. Jesus responds by saying that He has already told them, but they do not believe because they are not His sheep. He then asserts that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him, and no one can snatch them out of His hand or the Father’s hand.
How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.
John 10:24
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
The readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter highlight the growth of the early Church, the security of Jesus’ followers, and the importance of faith in His promises. They remind us that God’s work continues to spread and that His voice brings comfort and guidance to His people.
- Spreading the Good News: The first reading shows the early disciples sharing the Gospel with others as they traveled. Their faith inspired them to bring God’s message to new places.
- Belonging to Jesus’ Flock: In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His sheep who listen to His voice and follow Him. This reminds us that those who believe in Jesus find belonging and security with Him.
- The Name Christian: The first reading tells of the disciples first being called Christians in Antioch. This name reflects their faith and dedication to following Jesus’ teaching.
- Jesus’ Voice Brings Comfort: Jesus says His sheep know His voice and trust in Him. His words give peace and assurance to those who follow Him.
- Eternal Life in Christ: Jesus promises eternal life to those who follow Him. This reminds us that faith in Him leads to the hope of life with God forever.
- God’s Hand at Work: The first reading shows how God guided the early Church and helped it grow. His hand was with the disciples, giving them strength and success in their mission.
Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter encourages us to trust in Jesus’ promises and to share His message with others. The readings remind us to listen for His voice, live with hope, and follow His call with faith.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
The readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter highlight the call to follow Jesus and live out our faith. They show how the early disciples were recognized for their dedication to Christ and how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, guides His followers with care. These reflections invite us to consider our response to His voice and our commitment as Christians.
The Name Christian
The first reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter mentions the disciples being called Christians for the first time in Antioch. This name identified them as followers of Christ, showing their faith and devotion to living His teachings. It was not just a title but a reflection of their lives and choices.
The name Christian reminds us of our identity as followers of Jesus. It calls us to live in a way that reflects His love, kindness, and truth. Being a Christian is more than a label; it is a commitment to follow Him in all we do.
This reading challenges us to think about how we live as Christians. Do our actions show that we belong to Christ? Like the disciples in Antioch, we are called to make our faith visible in our words and deeds.
Jesus’ Voice Brings Comfort
In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Jesus speaks about His sheep who know His voice. His words are reassuring, offering peace to those who follow Him. The sheep trust the Shepherd because they know He cares for them and keeps them safe.
This image reminds us of the comfort and guidance Jesus provides. His teachings help us navigate challenges and give us the confidence to keep going. When we listen to His voice, we find the peace that comes from knowing we are not alone.
We are invited to listen for Jesus’ voice in prayer, Scripture, and the Church. As His followers, we trust that He leads us in the right direction. His voice is steady and clear, calling us to trust and follow Him.
Faith That Inspires Action
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter highlight the connection between faith and action. In the first reading, the disciples actively shared the message of Jesus in new places, leading many to believe. In the Gospel, the sheep listen to the voice of the Shepherd and respond by following Him.
Faith is not just about belief; it is about how we live in response to what we believe. The disciples’ example shows us the importance of sharing our faith with others. Their actions brought hope and new life to those they encountered.
The Gospel reminds us to act on what we hear from Jesus. When we follow His voice, we walk in His ways and live out our faith. These readings encourage us to take steps to share the Good News and trust that Jesus will guide us as we do.
The reflections for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter remind us to embrace our identity as followers of Christ. They encourage us to listen to Jesus’ voice, trust in His guidance, and live out our faith in action. May we be strengthened to follow Him more closely each day.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling us to be part of Your flock. Help us to listen to Your voice and follow where You lead. Strengthen our faith so that we can live as true Christians and share Your love with others. May our lives reflect Your goodness. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you to be called a Christian?
- How do you listen for Jesus’ voice in your daily life?
- In what ways can you act on your faith like the early disciples?
- How does trusting in Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring you comfort?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
What’s in a Name?
On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner reflects on the meaning of the name “Christian.” He explains that this name first appeared when believers began sharing the message of Jesus beyond Jewish communities. This created something new. It was no longer just one group, but a wider community united by faith in Christ.
Fr. Scott Steinkerchner invites us to think about what this name means for us. Being Christian is not just a personal belief. It is belonging to a community shaped by faith in Jesus. He also asks what it means to be Catholic and part of that shared faith. The reflection encourages us to consider how we live this identity and whether we truly see ourselves as part of this larger community.
Steadfast Devotion
On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, this Pray As You Go reflection focuses on Acts 11:19-26 and invites us into the growing Church. It asks us to imagine the busy city of Antioch, where believers who had fled hardship begin to share the message of Jesus. The reflection highlights the sense of movement and change as faith spreads to new people and places.
The reflection draws attention to Barnabas, who responds with joy when he sees God at work. Instead of fear or doubt, he encourages the community to stay faithful. It invites us to notice where new life may be growing in our own lives. Like the early Christians, we are called to be open to the Spirit and to welcome the ways God is leading us into something new.
Music: Spirit Move! (Keep On Moving) by The Porter’s Gate and Acceptance by Jeff Wahl
Hearing God’s Voice
On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Brennan Dour, SJ reflects on how people struggle to hear Jesus’ voice. In John 10:22-30, the crowd asks for clarity, yet they have already seen and heard enough to believe. The problem is not lack of evidence, but lack of openness. The reflection invites us to ask if we also miss His voice in our lives.
Brennan Dour, SJ explains that hearing Jesus takes attention and time. We need to listen in prayer and notice what is happening in our hearts. The voice of the Good Shepherd is gentle and leads us toward love and peace. The reflection encourages us to recognize that voice and respond, trusting that Jesus is guiding us each step of the way.
Listen for God’s Voice
On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Matthew Kelly reflects on how people speak to Jesus with doubt and little respect. Even after seeing His works, they still demand proof. This shows a lack of trust and openness. It reminds us that belief is not only about seeing signs but about having a heart ready to listen and receive.
Matthew Kelly focuses on Jesus’ words about His sheep hearing His voice. God is always speaking in many ways, through Scripture, others, and daily life. The real question is whether we are listening. When we listen, we are more able to follow where God leads. The reflection invites us to open our hearts and pay attention to His voice in simple and quiet ways.
One God, Three Persons
Jesus says, “The Father and I are one,” pointing to the deep mystery of the Trinity. The first Christians saw that Jesus was sent by the Father, but also shared fully in God’s nature. Later, they also experienced the Holy Spirit, who came from the Father and the Son.
Bishop Barron explains that the Church came to see that there are three divine persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—but still only one God. We remember this mystery each time we make the sign of the cross. On the cross, the unity of the Trinity is shown clearly. This is the heart of the message for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter.
One Voice One Flock
On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Dcn. Arthur Miller reflects on how the early Church grew through struggle and change. The scattering of believers led to the spread of the Gospel across many cultures and places. This was not planned but guided by God. People from different backgrounds came together, and their shared faith in Jesus united them.
Dcn. Arthur Miller highlights how this diversity became a strength. Barnabas welcomed what was new and saw God at work in others. The first believers were called Christians because they followed Christ above all else. The reflection reminds us that unity does not mean sameness. It comes from listening to the voice of Jesus and following Him together, even with our differences.
More Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
Who Do We Say That We Are? (Order of Preachers: Katy Beedle Rice)
Resources
Acts of the Apostles: A Church That Crosses Boundaries
In the Acts of the Apostles, the Church is shown growing through the work of the Holy Spirit, often in unexpected places. This reading highlights a turning point when the message of Jesus reaches Greeks in Antioch. The focus is no longer only on Jerusalem. On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, this shows how the Church begins to live its call to welcome all peoples.
Barnabas and Saul help form a strong local community rooted in teaching and shared faith. Acts often returns to this theme of building the Church through preaching, unity, and service. The name “Christian” reflects a new identity centered on Christ rather than ethnicity or background. This passage fits the book’s wider message of mission, growth, and trust in God’s guidance.
Learn more about the overall message and structure of the Acts of the Apostles.
Psalm 87: Zion As The Heart Of God’s Plan
Psalm 87 celebrates Jerusalem as the place God has chosen, but it does so in an open and surprising way. Nations once seen as outsiders are named as belonging to Zion. On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, this psalm echoes the wider theme in the Psalms of God’s faithfulness and desire to gather people from every land.
Within the Book of Psalms, this song stands out for its hopeful vision of unity. It reflects Israel’s belief that God’s covenant has meaning beyond one nation. The psalm looks ahead to a time when all peoples find their home in God. This fits the Psalms’ ongoing focus on praise, trust, and God’s care for the whole world.
The Gospel of John: The Shepherd’s Voice
The Gospel of John often returns to the question of who Jesus is and how people respond to him. In this passage, Jesus speaks during a public feast but points to a deeper truth. On Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter, the focus is on belief. Those who belong to him recognize his voice and remain close to him.
This reading connects to John’s larger themes of faith, relationship, and eternal life. Jesus is shown as one with the Father, offering safety and life that cannot be taken away. Throughout the Gospel, belief is not forced but invited. This scene reinforces John’s message that true discipleship grows from trust and listening.
Explore more about the themes and purpose of the Gospel of John.
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Light In The Temple Courts
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Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
Why were the disciples sharing the Gospel with others in the first reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter?
The disciples shared the Gospel as they traveled because they were inspired by their faith in Jesus. They wanted to bring His message of salvation to new people and places.
What does it mean to be called Christians in the first reading?
Being called Christians showed that the disciples were followers of Christ. This name reflected their faith and their commitment to living by His teachings.
How did God help the early Church grow in the first reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter?
God’s hand was with the disciples, giving them strength and success in their mission. He guided them as they shared the Gospel and welcomed new believers.
How can we share the Gospel like the disciples in the first reading?
We can share the Gospel by living out our faith in words and actions. When we show love and kindness to others, we reflect the message of Jesus.
What does Jesus mean when He says His sheep know His voice in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter?
Jesus is talking about those who follow Him and recognize His guidance. His voice represents His teachings, which bring peace and direction to His followers.
How does the Gospel show the security of Jesus’ followers?
The Gospel shows that those who belong to Jesus are protected by Him. He promises to keep His followers safe and to give them eternal life.
What is the significance of eternal life in the Gospel?
Eternal life means living with God forever. Jesus promises this gift to those who believe in Him and follow His ways.
What does it mean to listen for Jesus’ voice?
Listening for Jesus’ voice means being attentive to His teachings and trusting in His guidance. It involves prayer, reading Scripture, and being open to His call.
What does belonging to Jesus’ flock mean for us?
Belonging to Jesus’ flock means being part of His family and trusting Him as our Shepherd. It gives us security and peace, knowing that He cares for us.
How do these readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter encourage us in our faith?
The readings encourage us to trust in Jesus’ promises and to share His message with others. They remind us that God is always at work, guiding and strengthening His people.
Hearing the Shepherd’s Call
The readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter focus on the growth of the early Church and the comforting words of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In the first reading, the disciples traveled to new places, spreading the message of Jesus. Their efforts brought many to believe, and it was in Antioch that the followers of Christ were first called Christians.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His sheep, who hear His voice and follow Him. He promises eternal life to those who trust in Him and assures them that no one can take them away from His care. His words remind us of the security and peace we find in belonging to Him.
These readings encourage us to trust in Jesus and listen for His voice. They call us to share the message of His love with others, as the disciples did, and to find comfort in the promises of the Good Shepherd.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter. How do you hear Jesus’ voice in your life? Think about the early disciples and how they shared their faith, even in new places. Consider how you can share the message of Jesus with those around you.
Share your thoughts in the comments below and encourage others to follow the Good Shepherd’s call.
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