Fourth Sunday of Easter 

26th April 2026

Reflection with readings below

Today’s gospel story feels like a story about a version of green washing. Jesus is warning his followers to be aware of those who appear to be people who will look after you, care for you, have your best interests at heart, but are in reality charlatans. 

How would the story sound if rather than shepherds it was about the CEOs of water companies? Or the CEO of a gas or oil company? Or maybe the owner of an industrial chicken farm – who only wants to ensure you have cheap chicken to eat and brushes over the pollution  that is caused in its production?  In so many aspects of life we are offered the ideal product, the exclusive deal, or the cheapest price, whilst the true cost of the product, the true cost of its impact on our environment and our lives is glossed over. Once the sale has been and the profit sequestered, then your well-being is not longer of interest.

Jesus challenges us to see beyond the immediate gratification, to do a bit of probing, a bit of research. Is what we’re offered beneficial for us, for our neighbours, four our environment? Is what we’re being offered in tune with God’s wishes, does it honour God?

It then maybe come a challenge that asks us to make difficult choices, that asks us to make a sacrifice that shows love for our neighbour, that shows our love for God. Isn’t that what the Letter of Peter is describing? Following Jesus is not always easy. We will be asked not just to talk about the right thing, but asked to do the right thing. 

To walk the talk!

But we do not walk alone. Jesus is our good shepherd. Jesus will walk with us, will refresh us, and will comfort us – comfort meaning with strength- when things get tough.

Acts 2:42-47

Those who had been baptised devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 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, 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.

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.

3 He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his 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.

5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.

6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

1 Peter 2:19-25

It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. 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.

“He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 

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. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

John 10:1-10

Jesus said, “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. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 

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