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Chi Rho Letters - 4th Sunday of Easter

Apr 26, 2026 10:01 am

April 26, 2026 - Volume II, Issue 9

Whenever a thing is consumed by corruption, not even the corruption remains, for it is nothing in itself, having no subsistent being in which to exist.

St. Augustine

Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love pp 12

Editor’s Note

Happy 4th Sunday of Easter! Today, we hear of how Jesus is the gate for his sheep, and these are the Chi Rho Letters.

This week marked the one-year anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, the Church’s first in many respects, and I remember thinking his election felt perfectly timed for what the world needed.

Reflection on Substack

Now, onto the Headlines -

Pope Leo XIV dominated the week's headlines with a visit to Africa that revealed the pastoral heart of his papacy. He visited prisoners, a psychiatric hospital, and communities suffering from exploitation in Angola's diamond region, echoing Pope Francis' focus on "the peripheries." On his return flight, he reportedly carried a photo of a Lebanese Muslim child killed in war, a vivid reminder that the Church's call for peace is grounded in real human suffering, not abstract policy. Meanwhile, Catholic leaders in the Holy Land protested attacks on Church-owned land in the West Bank, and an Israeli soldier was investigated for destroying a crucifix in a Lebanese village. These stories are difficult to read, but they are important reminders that the Christian call to peace requires us to look directly at suffering, defend the dignity of the vulnerable, and pray for the parties involved, both for justice and conversion of heart for oppressors.

On the topic of church governance, Cardinal Reinhard Marx drew criticism after reportedly directing Munich clergy to proceed with blessings for same-sex couples and those in irregular unions. Pope Leo pushed back, while also cautioning that sexuality is not the Church's "only moral issue." Elsewhere, the Society of St. Pius X appeared headed for a fresh confrontation with Rome over potential bishop consecrations. The Pillar offered an explainer on this situation back in February that's worth a read. Finally, the Diocese of Oakland faced a $16 million clergy abuse verdict, and a new Pew study found that more adults leave the Catholic Church than join it in most surveyed countries.

On the Technology front, the Diocese of Bridgeport introduced "Maria," an AI-powered fundraising personality. Whether AI belongs in parish development offices is a conversation worth having before it simply becomes the norm. On a more straightforward note, the Vatican also automated its Arizona telescope to support remote student research, a quiet reminder that the Church's engagement with science runs deeper than most people realize.

It was a heavy week on the pro-life front. New estimates put U.S. abortions in 2025 at over 1.12 million, with telehealth access reshaping the post-Dobbs landscape. The Trump Administration announced a return to federal firing squad executions, a sharp contrast to Pope Leo's public support for abolishing the death penalty in the United States. Archbishop Pérez spoke against a Pennsylvania court decision allowing public funding for elective abortions. The week also brought renewed Catholic attention to assisted suicide and end-of-life care, underscoring that the pro-life commitment spans every stage of life. Taken together, these stories remind us that the pro-life witness is not only about one issue or one stage of life. We should recognize and defend human dignity from conception to natural death and walk with people when life is difficult because God put each of us here for a reason.

A few bright spots emerged this week. A new shrine will honor Venerable Augustus Tolton, the first U.S.-born African American priest. More than 400 men are expected to be ordained to the priesthood in the U.S. this year. The world's oldest nun celebrated her 113th birthday on Long Island, crediting her longevity to keeping her mind fixed on God. Finally, there were hopeful stories about military chaplaincy, religious vocations, Fulton Sheen's upcoming beatification, and Catholic married life.

In our contemplative corner, I linked to NBC Chicago interviewing John Prevost, one of Pope Leo's brother, as he reflects on the upcoming one-year mark of his brother's papacy. I found it interesting to hear how the Pope ensures he stays in touch with his family, even while leading 2.1 billion Catholics and taking a nearly two-week trip through Africa. It made me reflect on ways that I need to stay in touch with the people I love a little better, even in the craziness of family life with a toddler.

Please know of my prayers for you this week, and please pray for me.

Sunday Readings

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Link

Reading 1: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

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

Reading 2: 1 Peter 2:20b-25

Gospel: John 10:1-10

Collect

Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Headlines

Pro-Life News

Contemplative Corner

The Pope's Brother

John Prevost sits down with NBC Chicago and reflects on this past year of having his brother go from Cardinal Robert Prevost to Pope Leo XIV. It's a great discussion that's worth listening to and hear how the two have kept up with Wordle and Words with Friends, even through the Pope's travels across Africa.

Watch: John Prevost on NBC Chicago

Collection Plate

Catholic Relief Services - Focus on Middle East Conflict - Link

As conflict and displacement continue to affect communities across the region, Catholic Relief Services is working with trusted local partners to provide lifesaving assistance and support families forced from their homes. With your gift, families across the Middle East will continue to receive vital relief and care as they seek refuge and relief. Please give now to support families across the Middle East.

The Liturgical Week Ahead

Coloring indicates Liturgical Color, links provided to USCCB site.

April 27, 2026 | Monday | Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Acts 11:1-18 | John 10:11-18

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

April 28, 2026 | Tuesday | Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Acts 11:19-26 | John 10:22-30

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

April 29, 2026 | Wednesday | Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Acts 12:24—13:5a | John 12:44-50

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

April 30, 2026 | Thursday | Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Acts 13:13-25 | John 13:16-20

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 1, 2026 | Friday | Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Acts 13:26-33 | John 14:1-6

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

May 2, 2026 | Saturday | Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Acts 13:44-52 | John 14:7-14

Readings | Morning Prayer | Evening Prayer

Community Prayer Intentions

For Strength and Comfort

Families of Servicemembers
Those affected by the Iranian and Ukrainian wars
Families experiencing losses
Myers Family
Demers Family
Pope Leo XIV

Eternal Rest

Noel Demers
Bernice Myers
Emma Niese
Jack Flewelling
Those killed in the wars in Iran and Ukraine
Fr. Wilber Thomas
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Francis

Saints in Progress, pray for us!

Thank you!

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–☧ Rob

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