Fourth Sunday of Easter, April 22, 2018

Let us count on God’s TLC for His cherished people 

Reflections on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (April 22, 2018): ACTS 4:8-12, PS 118:1,8-9,21-23,26,28,29, 1JN 3:1-2, JN 10:11-18

MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.

In concluding today’s beautiful Gospel reading, Jesus lets His followers know the warmth of His relationship with the Father.  

He tells them that He is willingly offering His life as a sacrifice for His beloved people. Christ wants us to be clear that this is His choice, just as it is that of His Father. Only His death and Resurrection can redeem humankind from the consequences of sin and open heaven for eternity. “This is why the Father loves Me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from My Father” (John 10:17-18).

The will of our Heavenly Father is also the will of His Son. God’s compassion is tremendous in both its boundless might and unique concern for each of His children. Whenever we feel lacking in faith, we can remember Jesus’ reassurance that the Holy Trinity embraces us in tender, loving.

Suggested missionary action: Let us make an effort each day to follow our Shepherd and to imitate His care for those in need. We can offer help through our prayerful and material support of the Church’s Missions.