Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Reading 1 Acts 11:19-26
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.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7
R. (117:1a) All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
His foundation upon the holy mountains
the LORD loves:
The gates of Zion,
more than any dwelling of Jacob.
Glorious things are said of you,
O city of God!
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I tell of Egypt and Babylon
among those who know the LORD;
Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:
“This man was born there.”
And of Zion they shall say:
“One and all were born in her;
And he who has established her
is the Most High LORD.”
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:
“This man was born there.”
And all shall sing, in their festive dance:
“My home is within you.”
R. All you nations, praise the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Alleluia John 10:27
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel John 10:22-30
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.”
- Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Louis Mary de Montfort, Priest
- Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
April 28, 2026 // Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter // Optional Memorial of Saint Louis Mary de Montfort, Priest // Optional Memorial of Saint Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 10:22-30
Reflect on the Word //
I couldn’t take the suspense.
I’d been considering a new commitment for months. I had gathered information, prayed, and discerned sincerely, and felt the Lord’s invitation to move forward. Now all I needed was the official response—but it was taking forever. After anxiously checking my email for the millionth time, I reluctantly tried to settle into prayer.
How long will I have to wait for the answer?! I grumbled at the Lord.
You already have it, came His quiet reply.
Did I?
Sighing, I set aside my obsession with the outcome to think back on all questions I’d asked and the answers the Lord had already confirmed throughout my discernment.
“Are you really calling me to do this, Lord?” I’m inviting you to take the first step.
“What if they say no?” No matter the outcome, My love is more than enough.
“What if I’m just attached and it’s not actually Your will?” You know how to listen to Me and the things I’ve confirmed. My plan for you is good.
“What if they say yes—but I’m not truly equipped?” I will give you everything You need to do My will.
“How can I possibly wait even more?” I am always with you and will strengthen you whenever you turn to Me.
My fears and fixations were nothing new, and He’d already answered each of them many times before. Like the Jews in the crowd, I’d simply refused to recall God’s truth or believe it in the waiting and the unknown. I was demanding more proof to relieve doubt rather than exercising faith (see John 10:24). But as His sheep, I could choose to hear and follow His voice in lieu of the world’s.
Whenever we find ourselves anxious or in suspense, the answer lies in our relationship with the Lord. Whether we’re dreading medical results, hoping for a job or school acceptance, or waiting for resolution to some situation or difficulty, He is already speaking to us, His sheep.
In the waiting and uncertainty, the Lord already has the answer—because He is the answer. We need only follow.
Relate to the Lord // What word from the Lord do you need to choose to believe and follow today?
Megan Hjelmstad is a wife, enthusiastic hockey mom, and Army Veteran living in Denver, CO. In her “spare” time she serves as a Catholic Writer, Speaker, and Women’s Mentor, helping women to embrace their God-given dignity and deepen their prayer relationship with the Lord. She is the author Offer it Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Suffering, a writer for SpiritualDirection.com, and a longtime team member of Blessed is She. Megan adores books, sleep, sunshine, and Colorado’s great outdoors almost as much as she adores Jesus in the Eucharist. Learn more at MeganHjelmstad.com.
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