TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (Jn 10:22-30) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“The works I do in my Father's name testify to me.” (Jn 10:25)

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.”

TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER - Gospel (Jn 10:22-30)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

Today’s Word of God reminds us that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. He said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. I and the Father are one.”

God is the source of eternal life. He loves all people unconditionally. Anyone who desires eternal life, true happiness, and lasting peace must go through the door of this life-giving source. That door is Jesus Christ, who comes from God the Father, the Most High. No one else holds the same power or authority as Him. Those who wish to follow the Good Shepherd must listen to His voice and walk in the footsteps of the Holy Teacher, Jesus. He is the true Shepherd who constantly protects, guards, and shelters His flock—day and night—from the thief, Satan, who is always lurking and waiting for a chance to steal each person’s soul.

Today’s Word of God invites people to reflect on:

• God always gives us freedom. If you choose to follow Him, then seek and remain in His Word. Follow His call. Listen to His teachings as revealed in the Bible, spoken through the voice of conscience, and taught by His Church. The ultimate purpose of human life is to be with God and walk together on His righteous path. Because having God means having everything!

• Those who are wise and long for eternal life must listen to God's teachings and follow His way—the way of truth and life. In doing so, no one will be able to snatch that person’s soul from the protective and preserving hands of God the Father.

Thanks be to God. Amen.