Let’s examine some of the themes in the Mass readings on the 4th Sunday of Easter.

1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 4:8-12

• Peter addresses the people, stating that the healing miracle they have seen was done in the name of Jesus Christ.
• Raised from the dead, it is in his name that we have salvation.

Psalm – 118:1,8-9,21-23,26,28-29

• “The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.”
• This is the psalm that Peter quotes in the speech we just heard in Acts, proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of salvation history.

2nd Reading – 1st Letter of John 3:1-2

• Calling us “children of God,” we perceive the love which the Almighty has bestowed upon us.
• What we will become is not known now, but when it is revealed, we will be like him and see him as he is.

Gospel – John 10:11-18

• Jesus claims that he is the “good shepherd” who knows, leads, defends, and lays down his life for the sheep.
• The Father has given Christ the power and command to lay down his life for the flock.

Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Easter (Year B, #50)

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