SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2026
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER​

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INTRODUCTION​

Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of
     the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He
     anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism.
     Each Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We
     go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend God’s tender care to all creation.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

O God our shepherd, you know your sheep by name and lead us to safety
       through the valleys of death. Guide us by your voice, that we may walk in
       certainty and security to the joyous feast prepared in your house, through Jesus
       Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
       one God, now and forever. Amen.​

FIRST READING

ACTS 2:42-47
Today’s reading is a description of life in the community following Peter’s sermon
     on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out on God’s people. The
     new community is sustained in worship and fellowship, shares what they have,
     and ensures that everyone has enough.

42 [The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to
     the breaking of bread and the prayers.

     43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done
     through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in
     common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the
     proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time
     together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and
     generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And
     day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

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PSALM

PSALM 23
(Response) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not be in want.
2 The Lord makes me lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
3 You restore my soul, O Lord,
and guide me along right pathways for your name’s sake.
4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil;
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Response) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Response) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)

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SECOND READING

1ST PETER 2:19-25
Doing the right things does not guarantee that one will not experience difficulties,
     hardships, rejection, or even suffering. Here Christ is presented as the model for
     our path of endurance and loyalty to God, particularly amid adversity.

19 It is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while
     suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what
     credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a
     commendable thing before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ
     also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.
     22 “He committed no sin,
     and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
     23 When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not
     threaten, but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. 24 He himself
     bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, having died to sins, we might live
     for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were going astray
     like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.​

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​​​​GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. Jesus says, I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. Alleluia. (John 10:14)

GOSPEL READING

JOHN 10:1-10
Jesus uses an image familiar to the people of his day to make a point about
       spiritual leadership. Those who listen to Jesus are led to abundant life.

[Jesus said:] 1 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold
       by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who
       enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the
       gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and
       leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them,
       and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a
       stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of
       strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not
       understand what he was saying to them.

       7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
       8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits, but the sheep did not listen
       to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in
       and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and
       destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”​

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License #11327166. The next Subscription Renewal Date is 1/31/2027.

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BULLETIN FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2026