Fourth Sunday in Easter: April 26, 2026
Readings: Acts 2:14, 36–41; Psalm 23:1–6; 1 Peter 2:20–25; John 10:1–10
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| Le Bon Pasteur by Philippe de Champaigne |
God enters into our lives in unexpected ways. As deeply religious and convinced of God's presence permeating around us, we believe that it is God who is guiding us and shepherding us. While looking at the incredible creation in which we live, one thing is certain: there should be some mighty power behind all of this. The world around us and all that it contains is so systematically woven and engineered that there is some sort of order in God's creation. Unfortunately, it is we who create disorder and destruction around us. As we savour the blissfulness of the Easter Season, on this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the liturgical readings are so vibrant and encouraging that all of us are invited to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, ardently and lovingly.
1. Listening to the right voices
On this Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel of John 10:1–10 places before us the striking image of the Good Shepherd and the sheep who recognize his voice. It is a passage that speaks quietly yet powerfully about trust, belonging, and the deep relationship between Christ and those who follow him.
Jesus begins by contrasting the shepherd with the thief. The thief climbs in from elsewhere, bringing fear, confusion, and destruction. The shepherd, however, enters through the gate—openly, truthfully, with rightful authority. This distinction invites us to examine the voices we listen to in our own lives. Not every voice that calls us leads us to life. Some promise fulfillment but leave us restless and fragmented. The voice of Christ, by contrast, does not coerce or confuse; it calls gently, personally, and with clarity. If we have not thought about this voice for a long time, perhaps today is the right time to sit down and listen to it.
2. Relationship strengthened by familiarity
There is something deeply consoling in the image of the sheep recognizing the shepherd’s voice. It suggests familiarity born of a relationship. Faith, then, is not merely about knowing doctrines, following the rituals, traditions or fulfilling obligations; it is about learning to recognize the voice of the Lord amidst the many competing sounds of the world. Unfortunately, a good many of them, like jealousy, wickedness, evil, unkindness, etc., are driving us closer to Satan. The recognition of Shepherd's voice grows in silence, prayer, involving oneself in works of charity and attentiveness. It grows when we allow ourselves to be known by Him.
Jesus also declares, “I am the gate.” Through Him, we enter into safety, freedom, and pasture. The image is rich: the gate is both protection and passage. In Christ, we find both security and openness. He does not enclose us in fear but leads us into a spacious life—“life in abundance.” This abundance is not measured in material terms but in the depth of peace, purpose, and communion with God. As Easter people, we must embrace the abundance of God.
3. Being flexible for the mission
Yet, there is also a challenge embedded in this Gospel. To follow the shepherd, the sheep must move. They must leave behind what is familiar and trust where they are being led. The Christian journey is not static; it is dynamic, ever-changing, ever-growing; it requires listening and responding. It calls for discernment—the ability to distinguish the voice of the shepherd from the noise of the stranger.
In a world filled with distractions, anxieties, and competing claims, this Gospel gently calls us back to a simple but profound question: whose voice shapes my life? The Good Shepherd does not shout over the noise; He calls each one by name. To hear Him, we must become attentive. To follow Him, we must become trusting. And in following Him, we discover that we are not lost, not abandoned, but led—led into life, and life in its fullness.
Questions for self-reflection
- Whose voice do I truly listen to in the quiet of my heart—Christ’s, or the many competing voices around me?
- In what ways have I experienced the Good Shepherd guiding me personally in my life?
- Am I willing to trust and follow the Lord even when the path ahead is uncertain?
Prayer
Good Shepherd, in the midst of many voices that pull and distract us, help us to recognize Your voice—gentle, true, and life-giving. Lead us out of our fears and confusions into the quiet trust of Your presence. Give us the grace to follow where You guide, even when the path is unfamiliar. Keep us close to Your heart, that we may find in You our safety, our freedom, and the fullness of life You promise. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJE-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
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