The liturgical calendar for 2026 marks April 26 as the Fourth Sunday of Easter. This specific day is widely celebrated in many Christian traditions as Good Shepherd Sunday, a time dedicated to reflecting on the guidance, protection, and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ as the Shepherd of souls. Based on the Lectionary Cycle Year A, the readings for this day present a cohesive narrative of conversion, perseverance, and the recognition of the divine voice.

For those searching for the Sunday readings today, Monday, April 27, 2026, it is important to note that the Sunday liturgy has just concluded, and the Church has entered the Fourth Week of Easter. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the readings from Sunday, April 26, the daily readings for the current week, and a deep theological exploration of their significance.

Readings for Sunday April 26 2026

The Fourth Sunday of Easter focuses on the image of the Good Shepherd. In Year A, the scripture selections are curated to highlight the transition from the crowd's conviction to the formation of the early Christian community under the leadership of the Risen Christ.

The First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

In this passage, Peter addresses the house of Israel following the descent of the Holy Spirit. He proclaims with authority that "God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." The response of the people—being "cut to the heart"—is the pivotal moment of the text. Peter instructs them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, resulting in about three thousand persons being added to the community that day.

The Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

Perhaps the most beloved of all Psalms, Psalm 23 serves as the perfect response to the "Good Shepherd" theme. It moves from a position of total trust ("The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want") to a realization of God's presence even in the "dark valley." The imagery of the table prepared in the sight of foes and the cup overflowing emphasizes the abundance of the Easter season.

The Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20b-25

This epistle addresses the reality of suffering. Peter exhorts the faithful to be patient when they suffer for doing what is good, pointing to Christ as the ultimate example. Christ suffered for us, leaving a footprint for us to follow. The passage concludes by identifying Jesus as the "shepherd and guardian of your souls," who by his wounds has healed the wandering sheep.

The Gospel: John 10:1-10

The Gospel of John presents the discourse on the sheepfold. Jesus contrasts the true shepherd with the "thief and robber." The sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd and follow him because they know his voice. Crucially, Jesus identifies himself not just as the shepherd in this specific passage, but as the "gate for the sheep." He promises that whoever enters through him will be safe and will find pasture, ultimately stating, "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

Deep Exegesis of the Good Shepherd Theme

The concept of the Good Shepherd is not merely a pastoral metaphor; it is a profound theological statement regarding the nature of God's relationship with humanity. In the context of 2026's Year A readings, we see several layers of meaning that deserve detailed attention.

The Voice of Authority and Recognition

In our analysis of John 10, the distinction between "voice" and "noise" is paramount. In a modern world saturated with information, the ability of the sheep to discern the specific voice of their shepherd represents the spiritual gift of discernment. The readings suggest that the "voice" of Christ is heard through the proclamation of the Word (as seen in Peter’s speech in Acts) and through the silent guidance of the Spirit.

During our practical reflections on these texts, it becomes evident that the "gate" represents a boundary of safety. To enter through Christ is to accept a specific way of living—one that leads to "abundant life." This abundance is not necessarily material wealth but a spiritual fullness that persists even when walking through the "dark valley" mentioned in Psalm 23.

Suffering as a Path to Healing

The Second Reading from 1 Peter offers a challenging perspective on suffering. In the 2026 liturgical context, this reminds the faithful that the joy of Easter does not erase the scars of the Passion. Instead, it transforms them. The "wounds" of the shepherd become the source of healing for the sheep. This paradoxical nature of the Christian faith is a recurring theme throughout the Fourth Week of Easter.

Daily Readings for the Fourth Week of Easter (April 27 – May 2, 2026)

Since today is Monday, April 27, the liturgy begins a sequential reading of the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, continuing the themes established on Sunday.

Monday, April 27, 2026

  • First Reading: Acts 11:1-18 (Peter explains the baptism of the Gentiles).
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3, 4 ("Athirst is my soul for the living God").
  • Gospel: John 10:11-18 (Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd").

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

  • First Reading: Acts 11:19-26.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7.
  • Gospel: John 10:22-30.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena)

  • First Reading: Acts 12:24—13:5a.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8.
  • Gospel: John 12:44-50.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

  • First Reading: Acts 13:13-25.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27.
  • Gospel: John 13:16-20.

Friday, May 1, 2026

  • First Reading: Acts 13:26-33.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab.
  • Gospel: John 14:1-6 (Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life).

Saturday, May 2, 2026 (Memorial of Saint Athanasius)

  • First Reading: Acts 13:44-52.
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4.
  • Gospel: John 14:7-14.

Professional Guidelines for Lay Readers and Lectors

For those appointed to proclaim these Sunday readings, the task is one of "proclamation," not merely reading. Drawing from established liturgical traditions, lay readers should adhere to specific protocols to ensure the Word is delivered with clarity and reverence.

Preparation and Delivery

  1. Understanding the Text: Before stepping to the lectern, a reader must understand the context. For the April 26 readings, one must distinguish between the pleading tone of the Psalm and the bold, accusatory-yet-inviting tone of Peter in the first reading.
  2. The Announcement Formula: Standard practice for introducing a reading involves using the exact title of the book. For example:
    • "A reading from the Acts of the Apostles."
    • "A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter."
  3. Pacing and Pausing: The reading from 1 Peter contains complex subordinate clauses. A skilled reader will pause after the phrase "leaving you an example that you should follow his footsteps" to let the gravity of the call to suffering sink in.
  4. Concluding the Reading: At the end of the first and second readings, a silence of a few seconds should be observed before the lector says, "The word of the Lord."

Engaging the Congregation

The goal of the lector on Good Shepherd Sunday is to help the congregation "hear the voice" of the shepherd. This requires eye contact and a steady, rhythmic cadence. When reading Psalm 23, the tone should be meditative and reassuring, reflecting the peace of the "restful waters."

Spiritual Practice: Engaging with Sunday Readings via Lectio Divina

To move beyond the surface level of the Sunday readings, many find success in the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). This four-step method is particularly effective for the Good Shepherd Gospel of Year A.

1. Lectio (Reading)

Read John 10:1-10 slowly. Read it aloud. Notice the specific words that Jesus uses: "gate," "pasture," "thief," "voice." In our experience, writing these keywords in a notebook helps center the mind on the specific imagery provided by the Holy Spirit for that day.

2. Meditatio (Meditation)

Reflect on the text. Ask yourself: "Whose voice have I been following lately?" The "thief" in the Gospel is anyone or anything that takes away life or peace. Meditation allows the reader to place themselves within the sheepfold, feeling the safety of the gate.

3. Oratio (Prayer)

Turn your meditation into a conversation with God. Using the words of the Responsorial Psalm, talk to the Good Shepherd. If you are currently in a "dark valley," express your fears and ask for the "rod and staff" of comfort.

4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)

Rest in the presence of God. This is a time of wordless silence. After the activity of reading and praying, simply exist in the knowledge that you are a "sheep of his flock." This silence is where the deepest healing often occurs.

Preview: Sunday May 3 2026 (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

As we move forward in the 2026 liturgical year, the focus shifts from the Shepherd to the Vine. The readings for the upcoming Sunday, May 3, will likely include:

  • First Reading: Acts 9:26-31 (Saul’s arrival in Jerusalem).
  • Second Reading: 1 John 3:18-24 (Loving in deed and truth).
  • Gospel: John 15:1-8 (The True Vine).

This transition illustrates the growth of the Easter life—from being guided by a shepherd to being organically connected to Christ as branches to a vine.

The Three-Year Lectionary Cycle: Understanding Year A

The Sunday readings follow a three-year cycle (Years A, B, and C) to ensure that the faithful are exposed to the breadth of the Holy Scriptures.

  • Year A (2026): Focuses primarily on the Gospel of Matthew, but during the Easter season, it draws heavily from the Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles.
  • Year B (2027): Focuses on the Gospel of Mark.
  • Year C (2028): Focuses on the Gospel of Luke.

This structure allows for a comprehensive study of Christ’s life over a three-year period. The "Good Shepherd Sunday" readings in Year A are unique because they emphasize Jesus as the Gate, whereas Year B focuses on the Shepherd laying down his life, and Year C focuses on the Greatness of the Shepherd whom no one can snatch from the Father's hand.

Summary and Conclusion

The Sunday readings for April 26, 2026, provide a foundational understanding of the Christian life during the Easter season. Through the lens of the Good Shepherd, we are called to recognize the divine voice, accept the necessity of suffering as a path to healing, and enter through the gate of Christ into a life of abundance. As we continue through the Fourth Week of Easter, the daily readings reinforce these themes, inviting us into a deeper intimacy with the Risen Lord.

Whether you are a lay reader preparing for service, a student of theology, or someone seeking spiritual nourishment, these texts offer a timeless map for navigating the "dark valleys" and "green pastures" of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is "Good Shepherd Sunday"?

Good Shepherd Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. It takes its name from the Gospel reading, which always features a portion of John 10 where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd.

Why are there three different years (A, B, and C) for Sunday readings?

The three-year cycle was designed to provide a wider variety of scripture readings during the Sunday Mass. Each year focuses on one of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, or Luke), while the Gospel of John is read during special seasons like Lent and Easter and in Year B.

Can I find the Sunday readings for the rest of 2026?

Yes, the liturgical calendar is set years in advance. You can follow the Lectionary for Year A for the remainder of 2026. Key upcoming dates include Pentecost on May 31, 2026, and the start of Advent on November 29, 2026.

How do the daily readings differ from Sunday readings?

Sunday readings are organized into a three-year cycle and include a First Reading (usually Old Testament), a Psalm, a Second Reading (Epistles), and a Gospel. Daily readings follow a two-year cycle (Year I and Year II) and typically only include a First Reading, a Psalm, and a Gospel.

Is Psalm 23 always read on the Fourth Sunday of Easter?

Yes, in the Roman Catholic Lectionary, Psalm 23 is the designated responsorial psalm for the Fourth Sunday of Easter in all three cycles (A, B, and C), as it perfectly complements the Good Shepherd Gospel readings.