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4th Sunday Easter |
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Contents: Volume 2 4th Sunday of Easter 4/26/2026
1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP - <lanie@leblanc.one>2. -- Chuck Hilliard OP - <Chuck@PreacherExchange.com> 3. --
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****************************************************** As part of my personal yearly goal to go deeper into Scripture (after being a cradle Catholic and an intentional adult one for many decades), I now read the readings from the USCCB website and also the Catholic/ Ecumenical Edition of The Message . The combination seems to bring additional light and a helpful direction for me. I find this especially true when I connect them to my present-day personal challenges, whether they be global, family-related, or personal.
I am always surprised when reflecting on selections from the Acts of the Apostles for I see so many connections between then and now. How to re-ignite the fervor of hope is a significant part of “the human condition” as a favorite priest used to say. Whether you prefer "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation" or “get out of this sick and stupid culture” as a wake-up call, it is a great motivator to proclaim the Good News of the Resurrection with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How to do that seems to be to insist on looking at what Jesus actually did during his ministry and how Jesus treated others. Jesus kept the will of the Father foremost in all things without being retaliatory. So, whether in the second reading, it is clearer that Jesus “handed himself over to the One who judges justly” or “Jesus was content to let God set things right”, it seems that it is preferable to spend our time on kindness and reconciliation, knowing Who is ultimately the Almighty One.
The Gospel selection makes it clear that there were and still are many “voices” out there for us wandering sheep. Some selectively tout themselves or emphasize a particular part of Christianity for personal gain. Jesus, again, always chose the will of the Father, even as Jesus hung on the Cross.
May we all humbly remember that we are all made in God’s image and there is only one God of all. Listening to other viewpoints can certainly expand our understanding and deepen our faith. We must follow the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, however , for by his wounds we were healed.
Blessings, Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP Southern Dominican Laity
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****************************************************** ****************************************************** 4. ****************************************************** ****************************************************** 5. ****************************************************** Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.
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A service of The Order of Preachers,
The Dominicans. (form revised 10/13/2025) |
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