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.
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
Friday of the 4th Week of Easter teaches about Jesus' role and promises. Here are the themes from the readings:
- Jesus fulfills prophecy: Paul tells people that Jesus completed the promises made by the prophets. He shows that Jesus is the one they were waiting for.
- Way to forgiveness and eternal life: Paul teaches that believing in Jesus gives people forgiveness and eternal life. This shows the importance of faith in Jesus.
- Trust in Jesus and God: Jesus tells His disciples to trust Him as they trust in God. He wants to assure them of His truth and reliability.
- Jesus prepares a place for us: Jesus says He is going to prepare a place for them in heaven. This promise gives hope of a future home with God.
- Jesus is the only way: Jesus tells His disciples that He is the only way to God. This means that following Him is necessary to reach God.
The readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter focus on Jesus as the key to eternal life and the bridge to God. They assure us of His promises and guide us to follow Him faithfully.
Thoughts for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
Reflecting on the readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter offers us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the central role that Jesus Christ plays in our faith. These passages emphasize that faith in Jesus is the means of salvation and eternal life, and that there is no other way to access these gifts.
In Acts 13:26-33, we are reminded of the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the promises of the prophets. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus brings forgiveness of sins and redemption to those who believe in him. This passage underscores the divinity of Jesus and his unique role in our salvation.
Similarly, in John 14:1-6, we are reassured that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through him. This passage offers us hope and comfort in the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. It also highlights the exclusive nature of the path to that eternal life and the importance of our personal relationship with Jesus.
As Catholics, these readings call us to deepen our faith in Jesus and to cultivate a personal relationship with him. We are called to trust in him and believe in God, and to follow his example in our daily lives. We are also called to share our faith with others, emphasizing the unique role that Jesus plays in our salvation and the hope that we have in him.
Finally, these readings call us to live lives of holiness and virtue, striving to become more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of faith in Jesus and the hope that it offers to all who believe.
Prayer for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
Heavenly Father, deepen our faith in your Son Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Help us to trust in him and live lives of holiness and virtue, bearing witness to the hope and salvation that he offers. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
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.
USCCB Reflection: 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
What date is Friday of the 4th Week of Easter?
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter?
The Mass readings for Friday April 26, 2024 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
What does Paul say about Jesus in the First Reading for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter?
In the First Reading from Acts 13:26-33, Paul tells a Jewish audience that Jesus Christ fulfills the promises made by the prophets. He stresses that Jesus is the way to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
How does Paul describe Jesus' authority in the First Reading?
Paul describes Jesus' authority by affirming His divine nature and His role in granting forgiveness and offering eternal life through faith in Him.
Why is faith important according to Paul in the First Reading?
According to Paul, faith is crucial because it is through believing in Jesus that people receive forgiveness for their sins and the gift of eternal life.
What does Jesus tell His disciples in the Gospel for Friday of the 4th Week of Easter?
In the Gospel from John 14:1-6, Jesus tells His disciples to trust in Him and God. He explains that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father's house and that He is the only way to the Father.
What reassurance does Jesus give about the afterlife in the Gospel reading?
Jesus reassures His disciples that there is a place for them in His Father’s house, indicating that after this life, they will be with Him.
What does Jesus mean by saying He is "the way, the truth, and the life"? By saying He is "the way, the truth, and the life," Jesus means that He is the essential path to God, the ultimate truth of God's message, and the giver of eternal life.
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