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.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.

John 14:1

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.

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.

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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?

Word on Fire: No Bland Middle Position

Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus presents a clear choice in today’s Gospel: Jesus is either truly the way, the truth, and the life, or he is not worth following at all. C.S. Lewis noted that we cannot just see Jesus as a wise teacher if we deny his divinity; it’s all or nothing.

Unlike other religious leaders like Buddha, Mohammed, or Confucius, who shared teachings or ways of life, Jesus uniquely claims to be the embodiment of these truths. Therefore, we must decide to fully follow him or not at all.

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

The next date is Friday May 16, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Friday May 16, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 13:26-33: The Good News of Forgiveness and Salvation
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 2: The Lord’s Anointed King
Gospel – John 14:1-6: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

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.