Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 13:44-52: Paul and Barnabas preach to a mixed crowd of Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue in Antioch. Despite facing rejection and opposition from some of the Jews, they turn to the Gentiles, who are more receptive to their message.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: Sing to the LORD for His marvelous deeds and victory, His salvation and righteousness known to all. The whole world has seen God’s triumphant love and faithfulness.
• Gospel – John 14:7-14: Jesus explains to His disciples that knowing Him means knowing the Father, as they are united. When Philip asks to see the Father, Jesus stresses that seeing Him is seeing the Father, due to their profound unity. He reassures them that His words and works are the manifestations of the Father’s presence and actions within Him. Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will perform even greater works, emphasizing the power of prayer in His name for the glory of the Father.

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 

John 14:12

The readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter emphasize faith, the mission to spread the Gospel, and the unity of Jesus with the Father. They remind us to trust in Jesus’ power and to share His message with the world.

• Spreading the Gospel Boldly: In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas preach the word of God despite opposition. Their courage reminds us to proclaim our faith boldly, even when faced with challenges.
• Joy in Following Christ: The disciples rejoice, even after being rejected by some. This shows the deep peace and joy that come from knowing and serving Jesus.
• The Unity of Father and Son: In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about His unity with the Father. This teaches us that knowing Jesus is knowing the Father, and trusting in Him reveals the fullness of God.
• Faith That Leads to Action: Jesus calls His followers to believe in Him and to continue His works. This reminds us that faith is not only about belief but also about living out that belief in our actions.
• Jesus’ Promise of Power: Jesus assures His disciples that they will do even greater works through Him. This points to the strength and guidance He provides to those who trust in Him.
• Rejection and Perseverance: Paul and Barnabas face rejection but remain focused on their mission. This reminds us to keep going in faith, even when others do not accept the message of Jesus.

Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter invites us to trust in Jesus and to share His Gospel with courage and joy. The readings encourage us to remain faithful in our mission, knowing that Jesus is always with us and guiding our efforts.

The readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter invite us to reflect on the joy of knowing Jesus, the strength He gives to continue His work, and the importance of living out our faith. Paul and Barnabas face rejection but remain joyful and faithful to their mission. Jesus reassures His disciples that they will do greater works through Him, calling them to trust in His guidance and act with faith.

Rejoicing in the Lord

In the first reading for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter, Paul and Barnabas face rejection as they preach the Gospel. Instead of being discouraged, they rejoice and continue their mission. Their joy comes from knowing that they are serving Jesus and sharing His message of salvation.

This teaches us that true joy does not depend on others’ approval. It comes from knowing and trusting Jesus. Even in difficult times, we can find peace and happiness when we are living for Him.

Their example challenges us to look at our own response to challenges. Do we let rejection stop us, or do we keep going with joy, knowing we are serving God? Paul and Barnabas remind us that faith brings lasting joy, no matter the circumstances.

Greater Works Through Jesus

In the Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter, Jesus tells His disciples that they will do even greater works through Him. This is a promise of the strength and guidance He provides to those who trust in Him. Through faith, the disciples are empowered to carry on Jesus’ mission and reach many people.

This promise shows that Jesus trusts His followers to continue His work. He gives them the tools they need to serve others, spread the Gospel, and glorify God. Their faith makes these greater works possible because they rely on Jesus, not on their own strength.

We are also called to continue the works of Jesus in our lives. By living out our faith in love, service, and trust, we participate in His mission. His promise inspires us to believe that, with His help, we can make a difference in the world.

Faith in Action

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter highlight the importance of putting faith into action. Paul and Barnabas do not just believe in Jesus; they actively preach His message, even when faced with opposition. In the Gospel, Jesus encourages His disciples to believe in Him and live out their faith by continuing His work.

Faith is not something we only hold in our hearts. It is meant to be shown in our actions and choices. The example of Paul, Barnabas, and the disciples reminds us that living our faith requires courage and commitment.

These readings challenge us to think about how we live out our own faith. Do we share the message of Jesus with others? Are our actions a reflection of what we believe? Faith in action is a powerful witness that helps others see the truth of God’s love.

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The reflections for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter remind us to rejoice in Jesus, trust in His promises, and live our faith with courage and action. May we follow the example of the early disciples, spreading the message of Jesus with joy and perseverance.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the joy and strength You give us to live our faith. Help us to trust in Your promises and continue Your work in our lives. Teach us to share Your love with others and to serve with courage and hope. May we always follow You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you find joy in your faith, even during challenges?
• What does it mean to you to do greater works through Jesus?
• How can you live out your faith in action each day?
• In what ways can you share the message of Jesus with those around you?

Word on Fire: Our Advocate

In Bishop Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter, he discusses the promise of Jesus from the Gospel that anything asked in His name will be granted, to glorify God. This teaching underlines the special relationship between Jesus and the Father, showing that Jesus acts as our advocate with God.

Just like a representative in a city council, Jesus presents our requests to God. However, unlike a human official, God is always welcoming and pleased to receive our prayers through Jesus. This illustrates the deep bond within the Trinity and Jesus’ unique role in interceding for us.

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

The next date is Saturday May 17, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Saturday May 17, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 13:44-52: Preaching the Gospel in Antioch
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: Praise for God’s Saving Power
Gospel – John 14:7-14: Unity with the Father

Why did Paul and Barnabas face opposition in the first reading for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Paul and Barnabas faced opposition because some people were jealous of their message and the crowds they attracted. Their experience shows that sharing the Gospel can bring challenges, but it is still worth doing.

What does it mean that the disciples were filled with joy?

The disciples’ joy came from their faith in Jesus, even though they faced rejection. It shows that true joy comes from trusting in God, not from the approval of others.

What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas’ response to rejection?

Paul and Barnabas show perseverance by continuing to preach, even after being rejected. They remind us to stay faithful to God’s mission, no matter the obstacles.

What does the first reading teach about spreading the Gospel?

The first reading shows that spreading the Gospel requires courage and commitment. Even when faced with opposition, Paul and Barnabas continued to share the message of Jesus.

What does Jesus mean by saying He is one with the Father in the Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter?

Jesus is explaining that He and the Father are completely united. Knowing Jesus helps us understand the love and power of God the Father.

How can we do the works Jesus speaks about in the Gospel?

Jesus calls His followers to live out their faith through love, service, and spreading the Gospel. We do His works when we act with kindness and share His message.

Why does Jesus promise that His followers will do greater works?

Jesus promises this because His followers will be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through their faith, they will continue His mission and reach more people.

How does the Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter teach us about trust?

The Gospel calls us to trust in Jesus and believe in His power. By trusting Him, we can find strength and courage to follow His path.

How does Jesus’ unity with the Father affect our faith?

Jesus’ unity with the Father reassures us that He is fully connected to God. Believing in Him means we are also drawn closer to the Father.

What do these readings for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter say about perseverance?

The readings teach us to remain faithful and keep going, even when faced with challenges. Both Paul and Barnabas’ actions and Jesus’ words encourage us to trust in God’s plan.