4th Sunday of Easter

Good Shepherd Sunday reminds us that Jesus cares for us like a shepherd cares for his sheep. He knows us, speaks to us, and lays down His life for us. He gives us eternal life, and no one can take us from Him. We are safe in His care.

Each year’s readings show how Jesus continues to lead His people. He calls us to repent, believe, and stay faithful. Even in suffering, we follow His example. We are His flock. He guides us with love, feeds us with His Word, and protects us through every trial.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

4th Sunday of Easter Year A
4th Sunday of Easter Year B
4th Sunday of Easter Year C

Mass Readings for Good Shepherd Sunday Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 2:14A, 36-41: Peter tells the crowd that Jesus, whom they crucified, is Lord and Messiah. The people are moved and ask what to do. Peter tells them to repent and be baptized.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is our shepherd who guides, protects, and provides. Even in dark valleys, we need not fear. His goodness and mercy follow us all our days.
• Second Reading – 1 Peter 2:20b-25: Peter reminds us that suffering for doing good is part of following Christ. Jesus suffered without sin, bore our sins, and returned us to God like a shepherd caring for his sheep.
• Gospel – John 10:1-10: Jesus says He is the gate for the sheep. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. He gives them life. Others come to harm, but He comes to save.

Mass Readings for Good Shepherd Sunday Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Easter Sunday Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 4:8-12: Peter says the crippled man was healed through Jesus. He tells the leaders that salvation comes only through Jesus, whom they rejected but whom God raised from the dead.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118: The psalm praises the Lord for His steadfast love. Though rejected, the stone has become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and we rejoice in it.
• Second Reading – 1 John 3:1-2: We are called children of God. The world does not know us because it did not know Him. When He is revealed, we will be like Him and see Him as He is.
• Gospel – John 10:11-18: Jesus says He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He knows His sheep, and they know Him. He freely gives His life and takes it up again.

Mass Readings for Good Shepherd Sunday Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Acts 13:14, 43: Paul and Barnabas speak in the synagogue. Many people follow them, and they encourage them to remain faithful to the grace of God.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: The psalm calls us to serve the Lord with joy. We belong to Him, for He made us. We are His people, the sheep of His flock.
• Second Reading – Revelation 7:9, 14B-17: A great crowd stands before God in white robes. They have come through hardship. God will shelter them, and the Lamb will guide them to life and wipe away their tears.
• Gospel – John 10:27-30: Jesus says His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. He gives them eternal life, and no one can take them from His hand or the Father’s hand.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

​The Bible is the complete collection of sacred scriptures, while the Lectionary is a selection of Bible readings chosen for Mass. The Lectionary arranges these readings according to the Church’s liturgical calendar, assigning specific passages to each day and feast, such as the 4th Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. This organization ensures that over time, the faithful hear a broad range of Scripture throughout the year.

The Lectionary follows a three-year cycle for Sunday readings: Year A focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke, with the Gospel of John interspersed during special seasons. Weekday readings operate on a two-year cycle, with Year I for odd-numbered years and Year II for even-numbered years. In the United States, the New American Bible (NAB) is the approved translation for Mass readings, ensuring consistency and clarity in liturgical celebrations.​

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 4th Sunday of Easter is also called Good Shepherd Sunday. Each year, the Gospel shows us how Jesus cares for us like a shepherd cares for his sheep. He knows us, protects us, and gives us life.

In Year A, Jesus calls Himself the gate. In Year B, He says He is the good shepherd who lays down His life. In Year C, He says His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. In all three years, we hear how close Jesus is to us.

The readings from Acts, Revelation, Peter, and John help us understand this more. They show how early Christians followed Jesus even when it was hard. They trusted Him like sheep trust their shepherd.

The 4th Sunday of Easter is a reminder that Jesus does not leave us alone. He leads us, speaks to us, and gives us what we need. He will never let us go.

On the 4th Sunday of Easter, we hear how Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows us and cares for us. Take time to read the Scripture and think about what it means.

What part of the readings speaks to you? How have you felt Jesus leading you in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments. Others may be helped by your words.