4TH TUESDAY OF EASTER - OUR LADY OF FATIMA - Gospel (Luke 11:27-28) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:28)

FIRST READING - Acts 11:19-26

A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles

Those who had been scattered by the persecution

that arose because of Stephen

went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,

preaching the word to no one but Jews.

There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however,

who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well,

proclaiming the Lord Jesus.

The hand of the Lord was with them

and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,

and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.

When he arrived and saw the grace of God,

he rejoiced and encouraged them all

to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,

for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.

And a large number of people was added to the Lord.

Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.

For a whole year they met with the Church

and taught a large number of people,

and it was in Antioch that the disciples

were first called Christians.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - Jn 10:22-30

From the Gospel according to John

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.

It was winter.

And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.

So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,

“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?

If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.

The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.

But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.

My sheep hear my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.

No one can take them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all,

and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.

The Father and I are one.”

4TH TUESDAY OF EASTER - OUR LADY OF FATIMA - Gospel (Luke 11:27-28)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

   Dear People of God,

The Word of God on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Today, on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, the Word of God invites everyone to prioritize listening to, meditating on, and practicing God’s teachings above all other activities. As Jesus said: 'Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.'

Jesus came down to earth in human form to accompany us, to be with us, and to bring us the Word of God—calling us to obey and live according to His teachings. Like Mary, who listened and followed God's Word by saying “yes,” today God invites each of us to follow her example: to value listening to and practicing His teachings. For living according to God's Word always brings true joy, peace, happiness, and eternal life.

When we live by and practice the Word of God, we please Him—and we are called blessed. As we hear in today’s Gospel, when a woman cried out, '"Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it."'

Therefore, let us place God’s Word above all else, listening to it and putting it into practice, following the examples of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ—who obeyed the Father even to the point of death, death on the Cross.

Today, as the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, let us listen to her loving advice:

"Pray much and make sacrifices for sinners, for many souls go to hell because there is no one to make sacrifices for them."

Pray the Rosary diligently; improve your life; and practice penance, prayer, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart.

Our Blessed Mother will accept the prayers of those who love her and faithfully pray the Rosary. Through the Rosary, we meditate on the life of Jesus Christ—and whoever desires to enter the Kingdom of Heaven must go through Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the one who leads us to God the Father and to eternal glory.

These are the words and reminders Our Lady of Fatima offers to all of God's children: to live and practice the teachings of the Lord and to respond to her call with love and commitment.

Thanks be to God. Amen.