4th Week in Easter : Monday, 27th April 2026

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, one who lays down His life for His sheep. But He also says something profound: “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” We can see that He has a very big heart, and His love stretches outward, always seeking to include those still on the margins.

In Acts 11, Peter experiences this same expansion. The early believers struggle to accept Gentiles, yet the Holy Spirit shows Peter that God’s mercy is wider than human boundaries. Peter declares, “Who was I to stand in God’s way?” His heart grows because he sees how God embraces those once considered “outsiders.” These readings invite us to accept others as well with a big heart. The bigger our hearts, the more room we have for others, especially those who are different from us.

In many communities today, migrants and refugees arrive seeking jobs, safety, or simply a chance to rebuild their lives. They speak different languages, practise different customs and ways of living from us. At first, we may be suspicious of them and distance ourselves from them. But when our big hearts accept them in our communities, something beautiful happens: shared meals, children playing together, and friendships forming across cultures. The communities become richer, warmer, and love just flows. A bigger heart leads to a bigger family. May our hearts grow like that of Christ: loving, inclusive, generous and always ready to make room for others.

PRAYER:  Jesus, open my heart wider like Your all-encompassing Heart.