Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year C)

First Reading - Acts 11.19-23,25-26

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. The disciples who fled from the persecution in Jerusalem travelled as far as Lebanon, Syria, Antioch, and Cyprus, preaching the word, at first, only in the synagogues. But amongst these disciples were some who came originally from Cyprus, and from North Africa. On arriving in Antioch, these disciples proclaimed the Lord Jesus not only in the synagogues, but also amongst the wider population. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers, turning to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem; and they sent Barnabas, from Jerusalem, to Antioch, to report back to them. On arriving in Antioch, Barnabas was delighted to see the grace of God at work, and Barnabas encouraged everyone in Antioch to remain committed and faithful to the Lord. Then Barnabas travelled on to Tarsus, to look for Saul. And when Barnabas found Saul, Barnabas brought Saul back to Antioch. And so it was, that for an entire year, Barnabas and Saul stayed with the church in Antioch, and taught a great many people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - Revelation 7.9-13a,14b-17

A reading from the book of Revelation. I looked, and saw a great multitude, that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne, and before the Lamb, robed in white, waving palm branches, and declaring, with one voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God, and to the Lamb!’

The angels around the throne bowed down and worshipped God, singing, ‘All blessing and honour, all glory and power, all majesty, virtue, wisdom and praise, belong to our God for ever!’ One of the elders said, ‘These, in white robes, are the ones who have come out of the great ordeal. They have purified their robes in the life-blood of the Lamb. Now they are before the throne of God, serving continually in God’s temple. And God will protect them: the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; and they will hunger and thirst no more. The Lamb, on the throne, will be their shepherd, and will guide them to the spring of the water of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - John 10.22-30

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John. It was the time of the winter festival of Hanukkah, and Jesus was in the temple. The religious leaders gathered around Jesus, and said to him, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus said, ‘I have told you already. And you have seen all that I do in my Father’s name. And yet, still, you do not believe - because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My all-powerful Father has given them to me. No one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand - and I and the Father are one.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord.