Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
- First Reading – Acts 4:8-12: “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118: “The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.”
- Second Reading – 1 John 3:1-2: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.”
- Gospel – John 10:11-18: “I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.”
Themes for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
The readings for the 4th Sunday in Easter Year B (Good Shepherd Sunday) demonstrate that Jesus Christ cares for us as a shepherd cares for his flock. Jesus explains that he is the good shepherd who knows his sheep and will do anything to save them.
- Our relationship with Jesus
- Servant leadership
- Caring for others
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B.
Resources for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
Shepherd’s Voice Game
This game helps youth understand the importance of listening. Each group of sheep must listen to their shepherd’s voice and follow it. It also goes well with a lesson on sticking together in community.
A Prayer of Joyful Thanksgiving
This prayer based on Psalm 118, which is the responsorial psalm for this Sunday. It celebrates our salvation and expresses gratitude to God.
What Is Love? – Discussion and Reflection Questions
This reflection will help youth understand the nature of sacrificial love. Love is more than just a warm fuzzy feeling. It is an intense desire for the well being of another.
Homilies and Reflections for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
Allow Jesus to Shepherd You
Jeff Cavins reflects on what Jesus means when he says he is the Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd
Jesus call himself the Good Shepherd in John 10. Why? And what did it mean for Jesus to call himself the Good Shepherd? Brant Pitre explains.
Getting St. Peter’s Sermon Right
From Bishop Robert Barron. St. Peter tells us that there is no salvation outside of Christ. In this homily, I encourage you to let the truth of St. Peter’s statement, which challenges modern sensibilities, sink in—and further explore what this means precisely for both Christians and non-Christians.
The Shepherd’s Voice
From Scott Hahn.
Jesus, in today’s Gospel, says that He is the good shepherd the prophets had promised to Israel. He is the shepherd-prince, the new David—who frees people from bondage to sin and gathers them into one flock, the Church, under a new covenant, made in His blood
The Good Shepherd
Also from Bishop Barron. What makes him good? The Gospel for today specifies two things: his willingness to lay down his life for his sheep, and the fact that he knows his sheep personally, recognizing their voices.
More Thoughts for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
Peter’s sermon in today’s reading from Acts of the Apostles comes shortly after he has been arrested. His “crimes” included preaching the Good News and healing a crippled man. Peter tells all who will listen that his power and authority do not come from him but from Christ. But because they do not know Christ, they do not recognize his works in the world. The second reading also speaks of this.
The gospel helps us know who Jesus Christ is. He is the Good Shepherd, willing to sacrifice all for our sake. We mean everything to him and he cares for us deeply. He does this willingly, not for reward or because he is force to. He wants to be our shepherd.
Reflection Questions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
- How do I know and describe Jesus?
- What can I do to know him better?
- Have I told anyone else about Jesus lately?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year B
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
John 10:14
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