Acts 5: 27-32, Rev 5: 11-14, John 21: 1-19
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter invite us to reflect on the themes of resurrection, renewal and the call to witness. In the first reading from the Acts, we witness the apostles boldly proclaiming the message of Christ, even in the face of persecution. Their courage teaches us that to bear witness to our faith often requires us to confront challenges head-on. We too, are called to share the joy of the resurrection, even when it is difficult. It is a reminder that our faith is not just for ourselves, but to inspire and uplift others. In the second reading from the book of revelation, we hear about the heavenly chorus praising the lamb who was slain. This powerful imagery of worship invites us to look beyond our challenges and recognize the divine victory over sin and death. We are called to participate in this celestial hymn, lifting our voices in gratitude and praise. When we gather for the Eucharist, we too join in this heavenly praise.
In this gospel, John has already narrated how Jesus appeared to his apostles in the evening of the day of His resurrection, and again, a week later. The presence of the master at each apparition filled the apostles’ heart with joy and peace that no words could ever explain, and with the certainty that he was alive. But once Jesus was out of sight, they were left themselves once again, time and again they must have wondered what their future would be. Following Jesus’ instruction, they returned to Galilee, probably to Capharnaum where Peter’s family lived. They had to think for their own sustenance and fishing was the only way for them to produce it. Hence Peter did not hesitate to go fishing again; those disciples who were with him joined in the work. They struggled the whole night but caught nothing. Night often symbolizes spiritual confusion in John’s gospel. The lack of success mirrors the emptiness of life without Christ’s presence. Surely, they must have commented among themselves: ‘if only the master were in our midst, things would be different”, Peter must have remembered once more the abundant catch of fish on the day when, three years before, Jesus had invited him to follow him. At dawn a new beginning Jesus appears on the shore but is not immediately recognized. This motif of gradual recognition is consistent with other post-resurrection stories. Jesus tells them to cast the net on the right side of the boat and suddenly, they are overwhelmed with fish. This act shows that success in mission only comes through obedience to Christ. Because of his particular love for the master, John was the first to discover that the stranger on the shore was no other than Jesus. His joyful words of surprise “it is the Lord” were an eye opener for Peter and for the rest of the apostles on the boat. Peter, characteristically impulsive, jumps into the sea, showing his love and longing for the Lord. We can imagine Peter reaching the shore panting with emotions, and Jesus extending his hand to him with a broad welcoming smile. John tells us that on reaching the shore the apostles were surprised by a meal that Jesus had personally made ready for them. The very fact of this concern of Jesus for his apostles is moving enough, but John adds some precious details that reveal Jesus’s heart at its best. Jesus not only feeds them physically but welcomes them into communion, a symbol of restoration, fellowship and eucharistic overtones.
John adds another important detail that is, at the command of Jesus Peter in person went and dragged the net ashore; it contained a large quantity of fish, 153 of them, normally under such a weight the net should have been torn away, but it was not. Jesus would personally commission Peter to spend his life dragging another net, the net of the Church towards the shore of heaven. It would be filled with an extraordinary number of people from all countries and of all times, and yet the net should not break; there is a very particular place in the Church for every person that comes in the world. Jesus now turns to Peter in a personal exchange, asking Simon, son of John do you love me more than these? This is a triple question, paralleling Peter’s threefold denial. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus gives him a command: feed my Lambs, Tend my sheep, Feed my sheep. This is Peter’s rehabilitation and commissioning as shepherd, a foundational image for Christian pastoral leadership. Peter is not restored despite his failure, but through grace and forgiveness. He is trusted with responsibility not because he is perfect, but because he loves Jesus. The reason why Jesus demanded of Peter a triple declaration of love and again for thrice entrusting him with the care of his flock, the church must have been as follows, Jesus wants everyone realizes the importance of the task he was entrusting to peter; hence he made use of an ancient and most solemn way of conferring, governing powers on a person, by doing it three times in the presence of witnesses. Jesus tells Peter that his future will be marked by sacrifice: when you are old, you will stretch out your hands. This is an early prophetic reference to Peter martyrdom. Likely by crucifixion. It is also a reminder that discipleship means following Jesus to the cross. Follow me the same words that first called Peter now conclude the scene, this is a renewed invitation to discipleship, this time in full knowledge of what it will cost.