April 26, 2026 ・4th Sunday of Easter (A)

Acts 2.14a, 36-41・Ps 23. 2+3, 4, 5, 6・１Peter 2. 20b-25・Jn 10.1-10      

For long years in our church`s life, we have considered “serving the community” as each one's calling through baptism. By becoming members of Christian Community, we are being called to take specific roles for our respective communities. Some others are called to serve other communities too,  going beyond race and culture. To be able to serve through leadership for example is indeed a gift, for not all are able to respond to this calling because of many constraints. Many are busy taking care of personal life, private life`s securities and concerns. Serving the community asks us real interest and willingness from the heart, and demands us time!

The center of our Church`s life is Jesus. Simply as a point for reflection for today, we may ask ourselves how we have been crucifying Jesus again and again maybe because of a seemingly self-serving presence in the community. Let us continue to pray for each one's motive, and really be willing to undergo a process of purification. We often call it daily conversion of heart, and submit to the inspiration and promptings of the Holy Spirit. May our ways and thoughts most often expressed in our gestures be able to accompany others closer to the altar (to Jesus).

The Good Shepherd & the Gate,        

We continue to recognize Jesus as our Lord and Master. We remain in his leadership & care. We make it sure therefore that all forms of leadership and care services in our Church are founded on how Jesus does. May we always hear and recognize well the voice of the Good Shepherd from people we consider as our mentors and guides so that each member of our church dose not scatter.  May we at the same time find encouragements and courage to specifically consider taking specific role to serve.

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles mentions about encouraging the Jews to save themselves from a generation that is corrupt. Accepting Jesus in their lives must have changed their lives fully and they must have been freed from the said “corrupt generation.”

Let us reflect about patience, vocation and grace as messages central for today's readings. If one is patient to sufferings brought about by doing good, we understand it as a grace. We are all called to patience. Our gospel invites us to always enter through the Gate, through Jesus - the center and basis of all our life`s activities.