Commentary and bible study from Fr. Tim Peters, Larry Broding, and others for the Mass readings by Larry Broding at Word-Sunday.com for 4th Sunday of Easter: Acts 2:14a, 36-41 1 Peter 2:20b-25 John 10:1-10

Commentary Intro to Mass Readings Sunday Readings

CommentaryIntro to Mass Readings Sunday Readings

April 26, 2026

4th Sunday of Easter (A)

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1ST READING2ND READINGGOSPEL
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KEY CONCEPTS

The following sections reflect the core theological reflections shared by Fr. Tim Peters in his videos on the text of this Sunday’s first reading.

Using this transcript below, i want you to focus only on the parts related to verses 1 Peter 1:17-21 identify four key concepts and create an outline for each
Peter’s Proclamation and the Ministry of the Apostles

Peter’s Proclamation and the Ministry of the Apostles

Scripture: "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed..."

  • The Unified Church: The image of Peter standing with the eleven disciples is a vital picture of the early Church. It depicts the Church preaching the Gospel with Peter leading the way—having received the keys and the authority to guide—while supported by the collective witness of the Apostles.
  • The Context of the Third Hour: Peter addresses the crowd at the "third hour" (9:00 a.m.). This coincides with the Tamid offering in the Temple, where an unblemished lamb was offered to start the day. It also marks the moment Jesus was nailed to the Cross, preparing the way for the outpouring of the Spirit.

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Jesus of Nazareth: Commended by God

Jesus of Nazareth: Commended by God

Scripture: "Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs... delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God..."

  • The Handing Over: Christ was "delivered up" twice—first by Judas to his own people, and then to the lawless hands of the Romans. Peter emphasizes that while this was God's plan, there was real personal culpability for those who saw these miracles yet chose crucifixion.
    • Twofold Testimony: The Gospel is attested to through two primary means:
    • Miracles: The mighty works and signs performed in their midst.
  • Prophecy: The fulfillment of God's definitive, pre-decided plan.

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The Victory Over Death

The Victory Over Death

Scripture: "But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it."

  • Divine Necessity: Death could not hold Christ because of His divine nature and the fulfillment of the Father's plan.
  • Personal Application: Recognizing Christ's victory requires us to face our own guilt and need for forgiveness. Once we see the greatness of our sins alongside the abundance of His mercy, we can respond with truly grateful hearts and extend that same mercy to others.

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The Exaltation and the Promise

The Exaltation and
the Promise

Scripture: "Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear."

  • The Fullest Meaning: The resurrection of Jesus is the absolute fulfillment of David’s prophecy in Psalm 16. Christ is the "seed" on the throne who was not abandoned to the netherworld.
  • Gift and Promise: The Holy Spirit is consistently referred to as both a "promise" and a "gift." By being exalted to the right hand of the Father, Jesus pours out the Spirit to transform the world and inaugurate a new era of salvation history.
  • The Last Days: This outpouring signifies that we are now living in the "last days." It challenges us to be open to the Spirit’s guidance, dying to ourselves daily so that Christ can fill us.

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Write an engaging description meant to get readers to read Larry Broding’s commentary which can be used to help preachers prepare their own homily. After a brief introduction give bulletin points of why this commentary matters for your homily. conclude with “Read Larry Broding’s full commentary to help your congregation…” Complete sentence.

4th Sunday of Easter (A)

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KEY CONCEPTS

The following sections reflect the core theological reflections shared by Fr. Tim Peters in his videos on the text of this Sunday’s second reading.

Using this transcript below, i want you to focus only on the parts related to verses 1 Peter 1:17-21 identify four key concepts and create an outline for each
Living in the Presence of the Father (v. 17)

Living in the Presence of the Father (v. 17)

  • Impartial Judgment: Invoking God as Father requires a realization that He judges according to deeds and conduct.
  • Holy Fear: A call to conduct oneself with reverence throughout the duration of earthly life.
  • The Theology of Exile: * This life is not our permanent home.
    • Citizenship is found in the New Jerusalem (referencing Philippians 3:20 and Hebrews 12).

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The Cost of Redemption (v. 18–19)

The Cost of Redemption (v. 18–19)

  • Ransomed from Futility: The transition away from "futile ways" inherited from previous generations.
  • Incorruptible Value: Redemption was not bought with perishable silver or gold, but with the "precious blood of Christ."
  • The Lamb Without Blemish: * Direct connection to the Tamid offering (the unblemished lamb of the third and ninth hours).
    • Christ as the perfect, spotless sacrifice.

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The Manifestation of Christ (v. 20–21)

The Manifestation of Christ (v. 20–21)

  • Divine Foreknowledge: Christ was destined before the foundation of the world.
  • Salvation History Timeline: * His manifestation marks the "end of times" or the "last days."
    • The pouring out of the Spirit and the coming of Christ represent a cataclysmic change in the world's spiritual landscape.
  • Resulting Faith and Hope: * God raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory.
    • The specific purpose of the Resurrection is so that our faith and hope are anchored in God.

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Practical Application: A New Identity

Practical Application: A New Identity

  • Non-Conformity: The demand to not be conformed to "this generation" or the "crooked world."
  • Obedience to Truth: Purifying the soul through obedience to lead to a sincere, earnest love for the brethren.

Non-profits have permission to use this infographic in their ministry.


Write an engaging description meant to get readers to read Larry Broding’s commentary which can be used to help preachers prepare their own homily. After a brief introduction give bulletin points of why this commentary matters for your homily. conclude with “Read Larry Broding’s full commentary to help your congregation…” Complete sentence.

4th Sunday of Easter (A)

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KEY CONCEPTS

The following sections reflect the core theological reflections shared by Fr. Tim Peters in his videos on the text of this Sunday’s Gospel.

Using this transcript below, i want you to focus only on the parts related to verses 1 Peter 1:17-21 identify four key concepts and create an outline for each
The Journey and Spiritual Direction (vv. 13–17)

The Journey and Spiritual Direction (vv. 13–17)

Walking Away from Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem as the center of the Paschal mystery.
  • Walking away signifies defeat, loss of hope, and confusion regarding the Resurrection.

The Sadness of the Disciples:

  • Standing still and looking sad (v. 17).
  • The "What things?" approach: Jesus allows them to work through their trial by inviting them to speak.

The Concept of "Drawing Near":

  • Jesus initiates the encounter by drawing near (recalling the priest drawing near to offer sacrifice in Leviticus).
  • Eyes being "kept" from recognizing Him—the necessity of a spiritual revelation.

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The Liturgy of the Word (vv. 18–27)

The Liturgy of the Word (vv. 18–27)

Interpreting the Prophets:

  • Jesus rebukes their "slowness of heart" to believe the prophetic witness.
  • The "Divine Necessity": It was necessary for Christ to suffer to enter His glory.

The Full Scope of Scripture:

  • Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets.
  • The "burning heart": The internal spiritual response when the truth of Christ is revealed in the Word.

The Duty of the Church:

  • The role of the Church is to continue this "breaking open" of Scripture at every Mass.
  • Connecting the Old Testament (Moses/Prophets) to the fulfillment in Jesus.

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The Liturgy of the Eucharist (vv. 28–32)

The Liturgy of the Eucharist (vv. 28–32)

The Four Eucharistic Verbs:

  • Took, Blessed, Broke, Gave.
  • These verbs link the Emmaus meal to the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Last Supper.

The Moment of Recognition:

  • Recognition happens not during the walking or the talking, but specifically in the breaking of the bread.
  • The opening of their eyes as the climax of the encounter.

The Real Presence:

  • Jesus vanishes the moment He is recognized to emphasize His permanent presence in the Sacrament.
  • "He was known to them in the breaking of the bread."

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Transformation and Mission (vv. 33–35)

Transformation and Mission (vv. 33–35)

Changing Direction:

  • The disciples immediately rise and return to Jerusalem (the place they had previously fled).
  • Conversion leads to a reversal of the path of defeat.

Rejoining the Community:

  • Returning to the "Eleven" and the gathered disciples.
  • Confirmation of the faith: "The Lord has risen indeed!"

Proclaiming the Encounter:

  • The duty to share the "good news" of what happened on the road.
  • The integration of personal encounter (hearts burning) and sacramental encounter (breaking of bread) as the foundation of Christian witness.

Non-profits have permission to use this infographic in their ministry.


Write an engaging description meant to get readers to read Larry Broding’s commentary which can be used to help preachers prepare their own homily. After a brief introduction give bulletin points of why this commentary matters for your homily. conclude with “Read Larry Broding’s full commentary to help your congregation…” Complete sentence.

4th Sunday of Easter (A)

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