April 2023 is Year A in the Sunday liturgical cycle and Year 1 in the weekday cycle. See Mass readings resources for specific Sundays and feast days in for April 2023 here. Learn more about lectionary cycles from the USCCB.
The liturgical journey of April 2023 begins with Palm Sunday, reflecting on Jesus’ humble entry and the paradox of celebration and suffering. Holy Thursday focuses on service and the Last Supper, leading to Good Friday’s solemn remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion and sacrifice. The quiet anticipation of Holy Saturday precedes Easter Sunday’s joyous celebration of resurrection, offering new life and hope. The following Sundays extend this message: Divine Mercy Sunday emphasizes forgiveness, the 3rd Sunday of Easter invites deeper discipleship, and Good Shepherd Sunday portrays Jesus as our guiding shepherd, calling us to follow Him with trust and confidence.
Sundays and Holy Days in April 2023
Palm Sunday – Passion Sunday
Sunday April 2, 2023
On Palm Sunday in April 2023, the readings explore the deep contrasts of Jesus’ experience: celebrated, then betrayed. The narrative begins with His joyful entrance into Jerusalem, yet this jubilation shifts dramatically towards His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, emphasizing themes of servitude, kingship, and unconditional love. The scripture invites us to ponder Jesus’ humble kingship, characterized by His peaceful entry on a donkey, a stark contrast to worldly power symbols. It calls us to reflect on our response to His sacrifice, urging us to embody love, humility, and selflessness. This day serves as a profound reminder of Jesus’ enduring love and our journey towards Easter, emphasizing both the joy of His welcome and the solemnity of His Passion.
Holy Thursday
Thursday April 6, 2023
Holy Thursday in April 2023 commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with His apostles, marking the establishment of the Eucharist and the priesthood. This day is enveloped in themes of service, humility, and sacrifice. During the washing of the feet, we’re reminded of Jesus’ call to love and serve one another, mirroring His unconditional love and humility. It’s a day reflecting on the institution of the Eucharist, where Jesus shares His body and blood, setting the foundation for Holy Communion. Holy Thursday invites Catholics to ponder the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and His teachings on servitude, laying the groundwork for the events of the Easter Triduum.
Good Friday
Friday April 7, 2023
On Good Friday in April 2023, Catholics solemnly remember Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. It’s a day of fasting and abstinence, marked by a special liturgy instead of Mass. This service includes the reading of Christ’s Passion, veneration of the cross, and distribution of Communion, previously consecrated on Holy Thursday. Reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice, this day embodies deep spiritual themes of suffering, redemption, and love. It’s a time to meditate on Jesus’ ultimate act of love and the profound mystery of the cross, offering believers a moment to appreciate the depth of God’s love and the hope that springs from sacrifice.
Holy Saturday
Saturday April 8, 2023
Holy Saturday in April 2023 is a day of quiet reflection and hopeful anticipation, situated between the sorrow of Good Friday and Easter Sunday’s joy. With no Mass, it encourages a silent contemplation of Jesus Christ’s death and the promise of His Resurrection. This day embodies the Christian faith’s heart, offering a moment to mourn the Savior’s loss while holding onto the imminent victory over death. It’s a time of waiting, akin to the disciples’ experience, filled with grief yet clinging to the hope of something greater. Holy Saturday teaches the valuable lessons of patience, trust, and the assurance that light always follows darkness, leading into the Easter Vigil’s celebration of life’s triumph over death.
Easter
Sunday April 9, 2023
Easter in April 2023 marks the zenith of the Christian liturgical calendar, celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection, a foundational belief symbolizing redemption and eternal life. Central to this celebration is Easter Sunday, radiating with the joy of the Risen Lord, and initiating the Easter Octave—eight days of continuous celebration, each regarded as Easter Day itself. This period beckons believers into profound joy and reflection on Christ’s victory over death. It’s a time of renewal and deep spiritual engagement, inviting us into a fresh encounter with the Risen Christ and the transformative power of His resurrection, fostering a path to spiritual rejuvenation and a deeper faith experience.
2nd Sunday of Easter – Divine Mercy Sunday
Sunday April 16, 2023
For Divine Mercy Sunday in April 2023, the Year A readings beautifully highlight God’s infinite mercy. The first reading showcases the early Christians living in harmony, sharing generously, while the psalm echoes God’s everlasting love. The second reading strengthens our faith in the resurrection, and the Gospel tenderly depicts Jesus offering mercy to Thomas amidst his doubts. This day serves as a potent reminder of the resurrection’s pivotal role, showcasing divine mercy, the importance of faith, and the call to witness God’s forgiveness. It’s a day that encourages us to trust deeply in Jesus, embracing His peace and mercy in every aspect of our lives.
3rd Sunday of Easter
Sunday April 23, 2023
For the 3rd Sunday of Easter in April 2023, Year A readings inspire us to embrace discipleship fervently. Peter’s bold proclamation of the Gospel opens the narrative, setting a tone of courageous witness. The psalm assures us of God’s guidance on this journey of faith. The second reading deepens our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice, emphasizing its purpose to grant us new life. The Gospel vividly recounts the encounter of two disciples with the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, a profound reminder of recognizing Jesus in the Eucharist and in our lives. This collection of readings calls us to witness, fellowship, and continuous growth in our walk with Christ, urging us to see the divine in everyday moments and to live out the teachings of Jesus with renewed commitment.
4th Sunday of Easter – Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday April 30, 2023
In April 2023, the 4th Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, offers readings that depict Jesus Christ as our compassionate shepherd. These readings urge us towards conversion, illuminate God’s nurturing care, reassure us of our welcome return to the Lord, and portray Jesus as the Good Shepherd who not only leads us but also protects us from deceitful guides. This Sunday encourages us to place our trust in Jesus, seeking His direction and wisdom in our lives, reminding us of the deep, personal relationship He desires with each of us, akin to a shepherd’s bond with his sheep.
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