Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 12:24—13:5a: Barnabas and Saul, dedicated by the Antioch church for missionary work through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, traveled to Cyprus to spread God’s word in Jewish synagogues.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67: May God bless us and make His ways known, so His salvation reaches all nations. He governs fairly, guiding the nations, prompting joyous praise from all peoples.
• Gospel – John 12:44-50: Jesus declared that believing in Him also means believing in God who sent Him. He came as light to dispel darkness, emphasizing His mission of salvation over condemnation. However, those rejecting His words face judgment by those same teachings on the last day, as His messages are direct commands from God, leading to eternal life.

Lectionary Reference: 281

Upcoming dates: April 29, 2026, April 21, 2027, May 10, 2028, May 15, 2030, May 7, 2031, April 21, 2032, May 11, 2033

I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

John 12:46

The readings for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter show how God’s message is spread and how Jesus calls people to believe in Him. The mission of the early Church and the words of Jesus offer clear lessons about faith, obedience, and light in the face of darkness.

• Spreading the Good News: Barnabas and Saul are sent out by the Church to share God’s word. This shows that spreading the Gospel is an important mission that the Church continues.
• Called by the Holy Spirit: The Church does not act on its own but listens to the Holy Spirit. The decision to send Barnabas and Saul reminds us that God guides those who are willing to serve.
• Jesus is the Light: In the Gospel, Jesus says He came as a light in the world. This means He brings truth and hope to those lost in darkness.
• Faith in Jesus and God: Jesus teaches that belief in Him is also belief in the Father. This reminds us that Jesus shows us who God is and brings us closer to Him.
• Judgment by the Word: Jesus says He does not come to judge, but His words will judge those who reject Him. This shows the importance of listening and responding to His teachings.
• Eternal Life through Obedience: Jesus says His message leads to eternal life. Following His words is not just about rules but about choosing life with God.

The message of Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter calls us to live in the light and to share that light with others. God works through His Church, His word, and those who are ready to listen and act.

The readings for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter help us think about belief, mission, and our response to God’s call. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Barnabas and Saul being sent to share the word of God. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that He is the light and that believing in Him is the same as believing in the One who sent Him. These messages call us to deeper faith and action.

Called and Sent by the Spirit

In the reading from Acts on Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter, we see a moment of decision and mission. The Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul to be set apart for a special work. The community listens, prays, and sends them out. This shows how the early Church trusted God’s guidance and worked together to share the Gospel.

Barnabas and Saul did not go out on their own. They were chosen in prayer and supported by their faith community. This reminds us that spreading the word of God is not just an individual task. It is a mission we carry out with others, and with God’s help.

The Church in Antioch played an important role by sending and supporting them. We can learn from this by asking how we support the work of evangelization today. Are we encouraging others who feel called to serve? Do we take part through prayer, help, or even by going ourselves?

Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter encourages us to see evangelization as a shared mission. The Holy Spirit still calls people to go out and share the Good News. We can each play a part in that, whether big or small. It begins with listening to God’s voice and being open to His plan.

We may not all be called to travel far, but we are all called to share the message. The example of Barnabas and Saul shows that with God’s help, the word can reach new hearts and places.

Believing in the Light of Christ

In the Gospel reading for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Jesus speaks about belief and light. He says that those who believe in Him also believe in the one who sent Him. He comes not to judge but to save. His message brings light to those who are in darkness.

This light is not just a symbol. It is real help for people living with fear, sin, confusion, or sadness. Jesus offers truth and peace that can change our lives. His words are not empty. They come from God and lead to life that lasts.

To believe in Jesus is to trust Him, to follow His teaching, and to stay close to Him. We can believe with our minds, but it also takes faith in our actions. Do we live in the light, or do we hide in the shadows of fear or selfishness?

Jesus says clearly that His words matter. Ignoring them has real consequences. But believing them brings hope and eternal life. He speaks with love, but He also tells the truth. His light shows us the way.

Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter reminds us that Jesus is the light we all need. His mission is to lead us out of darkness. We are called to trust Him, to believe in what He says, and to live in the light of His word.

Living the Call to Share the Gospel

Both the reading from Acts and the Gospel on Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter call us to action. The Church in Antioch sends Barnabas and Saul to share God’s word. Jesus speaks of His mission to save and how His words lead to life. Together, these show us that belief must lead to sharing.

Barnabas and Saul show courage by answering the call to go. We may not be sent across the sea, but we are called to speak about our faith where we are. That might be in our families, our work, or our neighborhoods. Every small word of encouragement, every kind action done in Jesus’ name, is a part of that call.

Jesus also reminds us that believing is not just private. If we accept His word, it should shape how we live. That includes helping others know Him too. We can ask ourselves: Are we showing others the light of Christ in how we act and speak?

Being part of the Church means being part of the mission. We don’t all do the same thing, but we all have a role. We can support those who preach. We can share our story. We can be a witness by the way we live every day.

Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter invites us to take our faith seriously and ask how we are living it out. Jesus is the light, and He calls us to help shine that light for others. When we do that, we are part of the mission that began in Acts and continues in our world now.

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As we reflect on Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter, we are reminded that our faith is not meant to be hidden. Jesus speaks clearly, and the early Church acts boldly. We are called to do the same in our own lives, trusting in the light of Christ and sharing it with others. God still speaks, and we are still sent.

Prayer

Lord, help me to listen when You speak and follow when You call. Teach me to live in Your light and to share Your word with others. Give me courage like Barnabas and Saul, and help me trust in Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I be more open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance like the Church in Antioch?
• What does it mean for me to believe that Jesus is the light of the world?
• In what ways am I sharing God’s word with others?
• What steps can I take to live more fully in the light of Christ’s teachings?

Word on Fire: Understanding the Trinity

Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus shows us that God is the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This teaches us that God is love, involving a lover, the beloved, and the love they share. God’s love is so strong that it reaches out to creation. Even when human sin broke this connection, God sent His Son to restore it. God did this so we could join in their community and have eternal life. The Trinity is not just a teaching; it explains how God saves us.

USCCB Reflection: Illuminating Our Faith

The Catechism tells us that the light from Christ’s resurrection shines throughout the liturgical year. In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter, Jesus describes Himself as the light, coming into the world to drive out darkness. This light is vital, like sunlight, and helps us see everything clearly. Jesus says that believing in Him brings spiritual light, letting us see the world with God’s merciful love instead of judgment. Throughout the Easter season, as we listen to God’s word, we learn who we really are in the healing light of God’s love and mercy, which calls us to a new life.

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

The next date is Wednesday April 29, 2026.

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

The Mass readings for Wednesday April 29, 2026 are:
First Reading  – Acts 12:24—13:5a: Mission of Barnabas and Saul
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67: Blessing and Global Praise
Gospel – John 12:44-50: Light and Judgment

What does it mean that Barnabas and Saul were set apart by the Holy Spirit?

It means that the Holy Spirit guided the church in Antioch to choose Barnabas and Saul for a special mission. They were sent to share God’s word with others.

Why were Barnabas and Saul sent to Cyprus?

Cyprus was one of the places where many Jewish people lived. It was a good starting point for preaching the message of Jesus in the synagogues.

What is the main message of the first reading?

The first reading shows the early Church working together and following the Holy Spirit. It also shows how preaching and mission were important from the beginning.

Why does Jesus say He is the light?

Jesus says He is the light to help people understand that He brings truth and leads people out of darkness and sin. His words show the way to live.

What does Jesus mean by saying He was sent by the Father?

Jesus is telling us that He came from God and speaks what God wants Him to say. Believing in Jesus means trusting the one who sent Him.

What is the warning Jesus gives about rejecting His words?

Jesus says His words will judge people in the end if they reject them. This reminds us to listen to what He teaches and follow it.

Why does Jesus talk about salvation instead of condemnation?

Jesus came to save people, not to punish them. But if people do not listen to Him, they will face the results of their choices.

How does Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter show the importance of mission?

Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter reminds us that the Church is meant to share the message of Jesus with others. Just like Barnabas and Saul were sent, we also are called to live our faith openly.

Why is belief in Jesus connected to belief in God?

Jesus is one with God, so believing in Him means believing in the one who sent Him. His words and actions show us what God wants for us.

How can I apply Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter to my life?

You can think about how you listen to Jesus’ words and how you live them. You can also ask how you might share your faith, like Barnabas and Saul.

What does the Church in Antioch teach us?

It shows that prayer, listening to the Holy Spirit, and working together are important for the Church. It also shows the need to support those called to mission.

How do I know if God is calling me to something?

Spend time in prayer and listen with an open heart. Sometimes God speaks through others or through your own desire to serve.