Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
Friday May 1, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 13:26-33: Paul’s preaches to a Jewish audience, emphasizing that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the prophets’ promises and the means of forgiveness of sins and salvation. Paul affirms Jesus’ divine nature and authority, emphasizing that through faith in him, people can have eternal life.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 2: The Lord declares His decree on Zion, proclaiming, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” Kings are advised to serve the Lord with reverence and wisdom.
- Gospel – John 14:1-6: Jesus reassures his disciples that they can trust in him and believe in God. He tells them that he is going to prepare a place for them in his Father’s house, and that he himself is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through him.
Upcoming dates: May 1, 2026, April 23, 2027, May 12, 2028, April 27, 2029, May 17, 2030, May 9, 2031, April 23, 2032, May 13, 2033
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
John 14:1
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter focus on God’s promises, the message of salvation, and the reassurance found in Jesus. They encourage us to trust in God’s plan and recognize Jesus as the way to the Father.
- God’s Promises Fulfilled: The first reading highlights how God kept His promises through the resurrection of Jesus. This reminds us that God’s word is trustworthy and His plans are always for our good.
- Salvation Through Jesus: Paul speaks about the message of salvation offered to all through Jesus. This shows that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection open the way to eternal life.
- Jesus as the Way: In the Gospel, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. This teaches us that following Him is the path to the Father and to eternal life.
- Trust in God’s Plan: Jesus tells His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled and to trust in Him. This reminds us to rely on His guidance, especially in difficult times.
- Eternal Life with God: Jesus speaks about preparing a place for His followers in the Father’s house. This reassures us that faith in Him leads to a lasting relationship with God.
- The Call to Believe: Both readings emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus. Believing in His promises helps us to live with hope and confidence.
Friday of the 4th Week of Easter encourages us to place our faith in Jesus and trust in His promises. The readings invite us to follow Him as the way to eternal life and to share the message of salvation with others.
Reflection for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter remind us of the hope and guidance we find in Jesus. Paul speaks of the salvation offered to all through Christ, while Jesus reassures His disciples to trust in Him during difficult times. These reflections encourage us to deepen our faith and follow Jesus as the way to the Father.
The Message of Salvation
In the first reading for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter, Paul shares the message of salvation through Jesus. He speaks of how God kept His promises to Israel and fulfilled them in the resurrection of Christ. This message was meant for all people, offering forgiveness and new life.
Paul’s words remind us that salvation is a gift available to everyone. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection show the depth of God’s love for humanity. This salvation is not earned but freely given to those who believe and trust in Him.
This reflection invites us to think about how we respond to the message of salvation. Are we sharing it with others? Like Paul, we are called to speak about God’s faithfulness and point others to Jesus.
Trust in Jesus During Troubled Times
In the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter, Jesus tells His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. He encourages them to trust in God and in Him, even when things seem uncertain. His words offer peace and reassurance to those who follow Him.
This message is important for anyone facing challenges or doubts. Trusting in Jesus means believing that He is with us, guiding us, and leading us toward hope. His promises give us strength when life feels overwhelming.
Jesus’ invitation to trust is one we can take to heart in our own lives. We are reminded that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and through Him, we can find peace. Trusting in Him allows us to move forward with faith and confidence.
Jesus as the Way to the Father
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter point to Jesus as the way to the Father. Paul shares how salvation comes through Jesus, fulfilling God’s promises. In the Gospel, Jesus describes Himself as the way, showing that through Him, we can know God fully.
Jesus’ words remind us that He is the path to a relationship with God. He shows us how to live, love, and follow God’s will. His example helps us to walk in faith, knowing that He leads us toward eternal life.
This theme encourages us to reflect on how we are following Jesus in our daily lives. Are we living in a way that brings us closer to God? By trusting in Jesus as the way, we find the guidance and strength to grow in our faith.
The reflections for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter call us to trust in Jesus’ promises and share the message of salvation with others. May we walk confidently in faith, knowing that Jesus leads us to eternal life and strengthens us through His love.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the way, the truth, and the life. Help us to trust in You when life feels uncertain. Teach us to share Your message of salvation with others and to follow You faithfully each day. May we always stay close to You. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus’ message of trust in the Gospel bring you peace?
- What does salvation through Jesus mean to you personally?
- How can you share the message of salvation with others in your life?
- In what ways are you following Jesus as the way to the Father?
Homilies and Commentary for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
In his reflection for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter, Fr. Clifton Harris shares a message of hope using Jesus’ words to Thomas: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Jesus promises to prepare a place for us and return for us. Fr. Harris connects this comfort to moments of despair in life—when we feel stuck, lost, or overwhelmed. He reminds us that even in darkness, Jesus is the light that still leads us.
Fr. Harris shares how music, like Bob Marley’s songs, helps speak peace in troubled times. Just as Jesus offered peace before his death, we can hold on to his promise and presence through hard times. Even when prayer feels empty, God is near, guiding us. We are encouraged to keep hoping, trusting that everything will be all right because Jesus is with us always, ready to bring us home.
The Key to a Troubled Heart
Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” He reminds us that faith is the key to peace. When our hearts feel heavy or anxious, He calls us to trust Him. He also says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” making it clear that following Him is the only path to the Father. Jesus does not offer one truth among many. He is the truth.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how easy it is for our hearts to become troubled and how belief in God is what helps us face the problems of life. He emphasizes that Jesus’ clarity—especially in saying “I am the way, the truth, and the life”—is deeply freeing in a confused world. This reflection is for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter.
Little Antiochs for the World
Friday of the 4th Week of Easter reminds us of Antioch, one of the early centers of the Church. It was the place where followers of Jesus were first called Christians. Saints like Ignatius of Antioch helped shape the Church and shared the faith with passion. Antioch was a place of mission, evangelization, and growth. We are invited to think of our parishes as “little Antiochs,” where faith is alive, shared, and sent out to the world.
Fr. John Mckenzie reflects on how Antioch can inspire the Church today. He encourages us to be places of outreach and hope, like Antioch was. The Gospel reminds us that Jesus prepares a place for us in his Father’s house. We live with this hope, and we share it with others. Like the early Christians, we are called to be people of mission, and to trust in the promise of eternal life with God.
No Middle Ground with Jesus
Jesus makes a bold claim: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” This statement demands a clear response. Either he is truly who he says he is, or he is not. If he is not, then he cannot simply be admired as a good teacher. That option does not hold up. This teaching leaves no room for a neutral or halfway response.
Bishop Barron explains that Jesus is different from other religious leaders. The Buddha pointed to a way; Jesus says he is the way. Muhammad shared a message; Jesus says he is the truth. Confucius taught a wise life; Jesus says he is the life. No one else speaks like this. Because of this, we must choose. We are either with him or not. This teaching from the Gospel of John is the focus for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter.
The Way, The Truth, and the Life
This USCCB video reflection for the Friday of the 4th Week of Easter focuses on Jesus’ words in John 14: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” These words highlight who Jesus is, his mission, and his impact on our lives. Jesus encourages his disciples—and us—to trust in him and not be troubled, especially during tough times like his Passion, death, and Resurrection.
Faith anchors us, allowing us to view life with hope and joy, knowing God’s love and mercy. We are asked to consider how deeply we believe in Jesus as our way, truth, and life and to commit to following him.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
Why does Paul emphasize God’s promises in the first reading for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter?
Paul emphasizes God’s promises to show that Jesus’ resurrection is part of God’s plan. It reassures us that God’s word is trustworthy and fulfilled in Christ.
What is the message of salvation in the first reading?
The message of salvation is that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bring forgiveness and eternal life. This salvation is offered to all who believe in Him.
Why is the resurrection central to Paul’s message?
The resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God and fulfills God’s promises. It is the foundation of the message of salvation.
What does Jesus mean when He says He is the way in the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter?
Jesus means that following Him is the path to a relationship with the Father. He shows us how to live in truth and love, leading to eternal life.
How can we trust in Jesus during difficult times?
The Gospel reminds us to not let our hearts be troubled and to rely on Jesus. Trusting Him brings peace and confidence, even in uncertain moments.
What does Jesus’ promise of preparing a place mean?
Jesus promises that He is preparing a home for His followers in the Father’s house. This gives us hope that faith in Him leads to eternal life with God.
What does it mean to follow Jesus as the way?
To follow Jesus as the way means living according to His teachings and example. It means trusting Him to lead us closer to God.
What does the Gospel teach about peace in God?
The Gospel teaches that trusting Jesus brings peace to our hearts. He reassures us that His path leads to safety and eternal life.
How do these readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter emphasize faith?
Both readings show the importance of believing in Jesus and His promises. Faith helps us trust in His guidance and live with hope.
How can these readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter inspire us to share our faith?
The readings show that salvation through Jesus is for everyone. They encourage us to share this hope and message with others.
Trust in the Way of Christ
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter focus on the promises of God and the reassurance found in Jesus. In the first reading, Paul reminds the people of God’s faithfulness through the history of Israel and the fulfillment of His promises in Jesus. He explains that the resurrection of Christ brings salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells His disciples to trust in Him, even when they feel troubled. He explains that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and through Him, they can come to the Father. Jesus also promises to prepare a place for His followers, giving them hope for eternal life with God.
These readings encourage us to trust in Jesus and to follow His example in our lives. They remind us of God’s faithful care and call us to believe in the salvation offered through Christ.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter. How do you trust Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life? Consider the promise of eternal life and how it strengthens your faith. Think about how you can share the message of salvation with others.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below to inspire others in their faith journey.
Leave a Reply