4th Sunday of Easter – Year A

April 30, 2023

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Introduction
Commentary
Homilies
Discussion
Children
Today

Introduction

Bulletin Inserts

Commentary

COMMENTARY – 4th Sunday of Easter (A)

Children

CHILDREN – 4th Sunday of Easter (A)

Homilies

HOMILIES – 4th Sunday of Easter (A)

Today

Videos

Gospel Haiku

Easter 4A

A gatekeeper guards
He lets the truth seekers pass
They find green pastures

The shepherd leads on
His sheep follow close behind
Never to get lost

He knows every sheep
Calls each one out by their name
Follows his voice home

Son gave His own life
Abundant life for His flock
His love never fades

MORE POETRY

4th Sunday of Easter – Year A

April 30, 2023

By: Lawrence Mick

MAY 7, 2017 / NCR SUNDAY RESOURCES

Today brings us to the mid-point of the 50 days of Easter. Planners might evaluate how well the parish is maintaining the Easter spirit of joy and celebration.

Look around the worship space. Does the décor clearly indicate that we are still celebrating Jesus’ resurrection? Are the flowers as beautiful as they were on Easter Sunday? If not, do you need to rethink how Easter décor is handled, so that there are adequate resources to maintain the festive look throughout the entire season?

Does the music chosen for today still clearly speak of Easter? Not every piece needs to be an Easter hymn, but there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind what the main theme of this day is.

FIRST COMMUNION

First Communion: The shepherd imagery in today’s readings makes this a common day for celebrating first Communion. Whenever it is celebrated in your parish, planners might enter into conversation with the DRE or other religious educators to see what kind of mystagogy is offered to first communicants after their big day. Mystagogy is always important after sacramental celebrations but may be especially needed for young people who still need to grow in their understanding of and appreciation for the Eucharist.

Planners, catechists as well as preachers might also engage in a broader conversation about what kind of follow-up is offered after other sacraments. Are youngsters further assisted after first reconciliation to deepen their understanding of sin and the value of this sacrament? Are parents of baptized infants given help in the years after baptism to raise their children in the faith? That might begin simply by helping them reflect on the sacramental experience in the days following the baptism. What about couples married in the parish? Are they supported and challenged to grow in their appreciation of their sacrament after the wedding day?

This is not only the responsibility of liturgy planners but also catechists, pastors and those involved in spiritual formation. Mystagogy helps people learn to participate more fully in the celebration of God’s love in the liturgy.

Liturgy Prayers

By: Joan DeMerchant

Introduction

Today’s Gospel focuses on Jesus’ identity as the shepherd using the familiar Hebrew Scripture imagery. Jesus is both the gate to the sheepfold and the shepherd willing to suffer for his flock. The invitation is to follow this wounded shepherd, knowing that we have been healed precisely by his wounds. In a world obsessed with power and strength, what image would motivate someone to follow him?