By OSV Kids | OSV News
Prepare for Mass with these Gospel summaries and reflection questions for April 2024.
Gospel Summaries
April 14 — Third Sunday of Easter (Lk 24:35-48)
Today we hear another story of how the risen Jesus came to his friends, showing them that he was alive. Jesus reassures them and surprises them over and over (they wonder if they are seeing a ghost) by inviting them to touch him, then asking to eat with them. Jesus tells them they are witnesses and must preach his resurrection.
• Are there people in your life who help you recognize Jesus?
• Meals are important. What do you like about your family meals? How is Jesus with you during your family meals?
April 21 — Fourth Sunday of Easter (Jn 10:11-18)
Jesus described himself in many ways. We don’t know many shepherds, but in Jesus’ time, they were everywhere. Some were very caring and others didn’t care for their sheep very well. Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, who laid down his life for us.
• Who are the people in your life who are “good shepherds” for you, who lead you, who care for you?
• What kind of shepherd did Jesus promise he will be?
• Sheep follow the shepherd. How do you show that you follow Jesus?
April 28 — Fifth Sunday of Easter (Jn 15:1-8)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls himself the strong vine, and we are the branches of the vine. To be our best selves, the best persons God created us to be, we must remain on the vine, connected to the vine, gathering life from it.
• With Jesus’ help, we can do good things and be like him. What will you do this week?
Saint of the Month
St. Catherine of Sienna (1347-1380)
Feast Day: April 29
St. Catherine of Siena is well-known for her mystical experiences, including her “spiritual marriage” to Jesus. But she is also known for her love for the Eucharist. In her day, it was rare to receive Communion more than a few times a year, but she received as often as she could, sometimes daily. She also had a profound devotion to the Heart of Jesus, imagining spiritual graces flowing from his side. In her childhood, she was so happy that her family nicknamed her “Euphrosyne,” which is the Greek word for joy.
In her memory:
• Receive holy Communion at daily Mass.
• Be cheerful even when things aren’t going your way.
• Catherine was the 24th child in her family. Pray for all large families.
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