4th Sunday of Easter Year A
Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday April 26, 2026
The Shepherd Who Guides Us
The 4th Sunday of Easter Year A is often called Good Shepherd Sunday. On this day, we hear readings that remind us how Jesus leads, protects, and cares for His people. The image of the shepherd is one of the most comforting pictures in the Bible. It shows the closeness and love between God and His people.
The first reading tells how the early followers of Jesus grew in faith and number. They listened to Peter, turned away from sin, and were baptized. The psalm speaks of God as our shepherd who guides us to peace and safety. These words bring hope and assurance to all who trust in Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus says He is the gate for the sheep. He is the way to life, joy, and safety. On the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, we are reminded to listen for His voice and follow where He leads. His care brings life in its fullness.
Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
- First Reading – Acts 2:14A, 36-41: Peter urged the people to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. About three thousand accepted the message and were baptized.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, providing for all my needs, guiding me, and comforting me. His goodness and kindness will follow me always, and I will dwell in His house forever.
- Second Reading – 1 Peter 2:20b-25: Christ suffered for us, setting an example. He bore our sins so we could live righteously. We were lost, but now we return to Him.
- Gospel – John 10:1-10: Jesus explains that he is the gate for the sheep. The shepherd enters through the gate, and the sheep follow his voice. Jesus came to give life abundantly.
The readings above are for lectionary cycle A. For other years see the links below:
4th Sunday of Easter Year B – Good Shepherd Sunday
4th Sunday of Easter Year C – Good Shepherd Sunday
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:3
Themes for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
The 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, highlights Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. The readings emphasize the themes of guidance, protection, and the call to follow Christ.
- Jesus as the Good Shepherd: Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them. This image shows His deep care and willingness to sacrifice for us.
- Repentance and Baptism: In Acts, Peter calls for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus. This theme emphasizes turning away from sin and beginning a new life in Christ.
- Following Christ’s Example: Peter’s letter urges us to follow Christ’s example of suffering patiently. This teaches us to endure hardships with trust in God.
- Hearing God’s Voice: Jesus says His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. This highlights the importance of listening to Jesus and discerning His guidance in our lives.
- New Life in Christ: Peter speaks of dying to sin and living for righteousness. This theme stresses the new life we receive through Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
- Conversion and Salvation: Acts recounts the conversion of many who heard Peter’s message. This shows the power of the Gospel to change hearts and bring salvation.
4th Sunday of Easter Year A (Good Shepherd Sunday) reminds us of Jesus’ care and guidance as our Shepherd. We are called to listen to His voice, follow Him, and live out our faith daily.
Resources for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday April 26, 2026
I Hear My Shepherd – A Lesson Plan on Listening to God
4th Sunday of Easter Year A, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, reminds us that Jesus calls each of us by name. This lesson helps young people recognize His voice in their daily lives. Just as sheep listen to their shepherd, we are invited to listen to God. The world is full of distractions, but taking time to slow down helps us hear His guidance.
Good Shepherd Sunday teaches that listening to Jesus is not just about hearing but also about following. When we recognize His voice, we are called to respond with faith. This lesson encourages young people to trust in His direction and take steps to follow Him. Like a shepherd leading His flock, Jesus knows and cares for us, inviting us to walk in His ways.
A Good Shepherd Maze Puzzle
4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows and cares for His sheep. This maze activity helps children reflect on how God leads us when we feel lost. Just as a shepherd guides his flock to safety, Jesus calls each of us to follow Him. The puzzle teaches that no matter where we wander, God is always ready to bring us back.
Good Shepherd Sunday highlights God’s love and protection. This activity reinforces that message by helping children visualize how Jesus leads us on the right path. As they guide the lost sheep to the shepherd, they are reminded that God never forgets us. He knows each of us by name and invites us to trust in His care.
Shepherd’s Voice Game
4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls each of us by name. This game helps young people understand the importance of listening and following His voice. Just as sheep trust their shepherd to lead them, we are called to trust Jesus and stay close to Him. The game also highlights the value of community, showing that we are stronger when we stay together.
Good Shepherd Sunday teaches that Jesus does not force us to follow Him but invites us to listen and respond. This activity reinforces the idea that His voice guides us toward what is good. By learning to recognize His call, young people can grow in faith and confidence in His leadership. Just as the sheep in the game find their shepherd, we are reminded that Jesus is always calling us, ready to lead us to a full and abundant life.
The Acts of the Apostles: A Growing Flock
Acts tells the story of the early Church after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. In this reading for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, Peter preaches with boldness, urging repentance and baptism. This shows the Spirit’s power at work, calling people into a new life in Christ and forming a strong, united community of believers.
The book often shows how the Gospel spread quickly, breaking barriers and drawing many into fellowship. Here, three thousand people respond in faith, showing the openness of hearts touched by God’s Word. This moment reflects the larger Acts theme of mission—proclaiming Christ to all and inviting them to join His flock.
Psalm 23: The Shepherd’s Care
Psalm 23 is a song of trust in God’s constant presence and protection. On the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, it reminds us that God provides, leads, and restores. Like a shepherd, He walks with His people through joy and trial, guiding them toward safety and rest.
This psalm fits into the wider collection as one of deep personal faith, yet also rooted in the shared story of Israel. It reflects the covenant relationship where God remains faithful to His people. The themes of guidance, provision, and everlasting care speak across time to all who belong to His flock.
The First Letter of Peter: Following the Shepherd’s Example
The First Letter of Peter encourages believers to stand firm in faith, even during trials. In this passage for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, Christ is shown as the model of patient endurance. He bore our sins so that we might live in righteousness, returning us to the safety of God’s care.
Throughout the letter, the focus is on living faithfully in a world that does not always understand Christian hope. The image of sheep returning to their shepherd reflects the call to remain steadfast, trusting the One who protects and guides.
The Gospel of John: The Gate to Life
In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ words and signs reveal His identity and mission. For the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, He calls Himself the gate for the sheep. His voice is the one the sheep know, and through Him they find safety, belonging, and abundant life.
John often emphasizes relationship and trust between Jesus and His followers. Here, the image of the shepherd and the gate shows His role as both protector and provider of true life. Those who enter through Him share in the life of God’s kingdom.
Homilies and Reflections for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday April 26, 2026
How to Proclaim the Faith
In this homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Peter’s powerful speech in Acts 2. He explains the importance of evangelical preaching that is public and bold, addressing sin directly and proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Christ. Bishop Barron emphasizes that true evangelization cuts to the heart, prompting repentance and baptism. He encourages Christians to stand apart from the secular culture, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism to build God’s kingdom. This homily calls for a renewed commitment to living out the faith boldly.
Do You Know the Voice of the Shepherd?
In his reflection for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday, Jeff Cavins emphasizes the importance of recognizing and following Jesus’ voice amidst the many distractions in our culture. He compares the relationship between a shepherd and sheep to our relationship with Jesus, highlighting that sheep know their shepherd’s voice because they spend significant time with him. Cavins encourages spending time with Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible, attending Mass, and other sacraments. By doing so, we can discern Jesus’ guidance in our lives and make decisions that align with His will.
Unjust Suffering/The Welcoming Prayer
In his homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Richard Rohr reflects on the misunderstood depth of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He explains that truly understanding the shepherd’s role means finding strength in facing undeserved suffering, as highlighted in 1 Peter. Fr. Rohr emphasizes that blaming others for our suffering only harms us further. Instead, Jesus teaches us to let go of anger and embrace God’s guidance. The “Welcoming Prayer,” introduced by Fr. Thomas Keating, encourages accepting life’s challenges for spiritual healing, showing how Jesus shepherds our souls through suffering and resilience.
What Are We To Do?
In his reflection for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday, Scott Hahn emphasizes the resurrection as a call to conversion. Peter’s preaching reveals Jesus as both Lord and Messiah, the Good Shepherd promised by God to guide His people. Hahn explains that Jesus leads us to baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist, as echoed in Psalm 23. We are reminded to repent daily and seek forgiveness, following the Shepherd’s example of patience and trust in God. Jesus’ suffering and resurrection guide us through life’s challenges, leading us to abundant life.
More Thoughts for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
The readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A, Good Shepherd Sunday, invite us to see Jesus as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. This image shows Jesus’ deep love and care for each of us. We are reminded to trust in His guidance and protection.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
The image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd is powerful and comforting. He knows each one of us by name and loves us deeply. He calls us to follow Him and promises to lead us to eternal life.
In John 10:1-10, Jesus talks about being the Good Shepherd who enters by the gate. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. This shows the close relationship Jesus wants with each of us, guiding us through life’s challenges.
As we reflect on this image, we can ask ourselves if we are listening to Jesus’ voice in our daily lives. Are we following His teachings and trusting in His care? The Good Shepherd invites us to a relationship of love, trust, and obedience.
Protection and Perseverance
The Good Shepherd offers protection from those who would lead us astray. He guides us to the gates of heaven, but we must hear His voice and follow. This involves repentance and a commitment to do what He asks.
Peter calls for repentance and baptism in Acts 2:14A, 36-41. He tells the people to turn away from their sins and follow Jesus. This turning away from sin and toward Jesus is essential for our spiritual journey.
In following Jesus, we may face suffering and difficulties. 1 Peter 2:20b-25 reminds us to follow Christ’s example of patient suffering. Through our struggles, we can find strength in knowing Jesus walks with us, offering His guidance and protection.
A Community of Believers
We are not alone in our journey. We are part of a larger community of believers, the Church, led by Christ Himself. As members of this community, we are called to support and care for one another, just as the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.
Baptism brings us into this community and fills us with the Holy Spirit. In Acts, many were baptized and became part of the early Church. This sense of community strengthens our faith and helps us grow together.
Being part of the Church means we support each other in our faith journey. We find comfort in our shared belief in the Good Shepherd who suffered for us. Reflecting on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us of our role in this community.
Good Shepherd Sunday teaches us about Jesus’ deep care and guidance as our Shepherd. We are called to listen to His voice, follow His path, and support one another as a community of believers. Let us trust in His protection and love, knowing He leads us to eternal life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, help us to hear Your voice and follow You. Guide us through our struggles and protect us from harm. May we always trust in Your love and care. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
- How do you experience Jesus as the Good Shepherd in your life?
- In what ways can you better listen to His voice?
- What steps can you take to follow Jesus more closely?
- How does repentance play a role in your spiritual journey?
- What challenges do you face in trusting Jesus’ guidance?
- How does the hope of eternal life impact your daily life?
- How can you support others in your faith community?
- What does being part of the Church mean to you?
- How can you grow in your relationship with Jesus through the sacraments?
- What can you do to help others hear and follow the Good Shepherd?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
The Shepherd and His Lamb
Celebrate the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A with this beautiful image of the Good Shepherd holding a lamb. It is a reminder of Christ’s gentle care and His call to each of us. This artwork is perfect for parish bulletins, newsletters, and other ministry materials.
Share the message of His guidance and love with your community.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork (without watermarks) free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
If you would like this image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.
Music Suggestions for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday April 26, 2026
The music selections for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday focus on themes of guidance, protection, and trust in God. Many of these songs reflect the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who cares for and leads His flock. The lyrics often speak of finding peace and comfort in God’s presence, trusting in His care during difficult times, and rejoicing in His love and mercy. Some songs are more meditative, helping us to reflect on God’s steadfast love, while others are joyful and celebratory, praising God for His goodness and faithfulness.
- Abide with Me by Matt Maher
- Alive Again by Matt Maher
- God of Wonders by Third Day
- How Can I Keep from Singing by Robert Lowry
- How He Loves by David Crowder Band
- In God Alone by David Anderson and Taize
- It Is Well by Bethel Music
- Like a Shepherd by Bob Dufford
- Love Is Here by Tenth Avenue North
- Psalm 23 (The Lord Is My Shepherd) by John Michael Talbot
- Rain Down by Jamie Cortez
- Shepherd Me, O God by Marty Haugen
- Sing With All the Saints in Glory by William J. Irons
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Henry W. Baker
- The Lord Is My Shepherd by Aaron Thompson
- We Are Hungry by Brad Kilman
- We Come to You by Josh Blakesley
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
- You Are the Voice by Ed Bolduc
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday. These songs can enhance the worship experience by reinforcing the themes of the readings. Feel free to try these suggestions and share your own favorite songs that fit the theme of Good Shepherd Sunday in the comments. Your input can help create a rich and meaningful musical worship for everyone.
Questions and Answers for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A – Good Shepherd Sunday
What does Peter mean by “Repent and be baptized” in the second reading for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A?
Peter is asking people to turn away from their sins and be baptized. Baptism is the start of a new life in Christ. It means accepting Jesus and following His teachings.
What does it mean to follow Jesus’ example of suffering patiently (1 Peter 2:20b-25)?
It means enduring hardships without complaining, trusting that God is with us. Jesus suffered for us without retaliating. We are called to have the same patience and trust in God’s plan.
What does Jesus mean by “I am the gate for the sheep” in the Gospel for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A?
Jesus is saying He is the way to salvation. He protects us and leads us to eternal life. By following Him, we find safety and guidance.
Why does Jesus call Himself the Good Shepherd?
Jesus uses this image to show His care and love for us. Like a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus knows and loves each of us. He is willing to lay down His life for us.
How can we recognize Jesus’ voice in our lives?
We recognize Jesus’ voice through prayer, reading the Bible, and listening to the teachings of the Church. Spending time with God helps us know His voice. Following His commandments also helps us stay close to Him.
How does the image of the Good Shepherd apply to our daily lives?
The Good Shepherd shows us that Jesus is always caring for us. We can trust Him to guide and protect us every day. By following Him, we find peace and direction in our lives.
What is the importance of being part of the Church community?
Being part of the Church helps us grow in faith and support each other. The Church is like a flock of sheep with Jesus as the Shepherd. Together, we can help each other stay on the right path.
How can we support one another in our faith journey?
We can pray for each other, offer encouragement, and share our faith experiences. Being there for each other in times of need strengthens our community. We follow the Good Shepherd’s example by caring for one another.
What is the hope of eternal life mentioned in the readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A?
The hope of eternal life is the promise that we will be with Jesus forever. This gives us strength and courage to face challenges. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to be with Christ in heaven.
How can repentance and baptism change our lives?
Repentance and baptism mark the beginning of a new life in Christ. They help us turn away from sin and start fresh with Jesus. This change leads us to a closer relationship with Him and a more fulfilling life.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
4th Sunday of Easter Year A is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings focus on Jesus as the shepherd who leads and cares for His people. In the Gospel, Jesus calls Himself the gate for the sheep, showing that He is the way to safety and abundant life. He knows His followers, and they recognize His voice, just as sheep trust and follow their shepherd.
The first reading tells how Peter urged people to repent and be baptized. Many accepted his message, showing how the Good Shepherd continues to gather His flock. The second reading reminds us that Jesus suffered for us, offering an example of patience and trust in God. He leads us back when we go astray, showing His endless care.
4th Sunday of Easter Year A reminds us to listen for Jesus’ voice and follow Him. He provides, protects, and leads us to life. As part of His flock, we are called to trust in Him and share His love with others.
Your Turn
4th Sunday of Easter Year A invites us to reflect on Jesus as our shepherd. He calls each of us by name and leads us to a full life. His voice is always present, guiding us through challenges and offering peace. How do we listen to Him and follow His way?
Take time to read the Scriptures and think about how Jesus is leading you. Share your thoughts in the comments. How have you experienced His care? Your reflections may encourage others to trust in Him.
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