Walking with Jesus: Third Sunday of Easter C

For Sunday, May 4, 2025

Acts 5:11-14, Revelation 5:11-14, John 21:1-19


“Did you notice?”

It’s always interesting to start off with that phrase — it’s like I know something you don’t. In our reading from John today, the two preceding verses [John 20:30-31] are clearly the conclusion of the Gospel, and some texts actually include the title “Conclusion” or express its purpose as such. Scholars today believe that chapter 21 is an epilogue from an earlier edition of John that did not originally include it. If this is indeed the case, we must ask why the disciples didn't recognize Jesus on the shore. And yet this edition does include chapter 21 which identifies where Peter stands after his threefold denial of Jesus. Not including it would infer that Peter goes home after the discovery of the empty tomb [John 20:10] and returns to his fishing trade. Yet his going fishing at night seems to imply, “What am I going to do now?” Following that, his excitement at seeing Jesus, jumping into the water and hauling the huge net overflowing with fish ashore implies, “I want to make up and be forgiven.” At the very end, Peter’s affirmation of his love for Jesus matches his denials and, coupled with his own martyrdom, confirms his love lessons for each of us. This also is an affirmation to the early Church of his leadership in understanding the teachings of Jesus and that all are called to be witnesses. It also points to a more significant point as noted by Fr. Raymond Brown, the Johannine expert, who states that what matters most in each of His followers is personal love for Jesus.

So how deep and personal is my love? Do I believe and live that Jesus’ dying and rising was to prove to you and me that He loves each of us that much? We continue with the readings.

In the court scene we see just how courageous witnesses the apostles are now to the wondrous event that has taken place. They stand before the important rulers and judges in the Sanhedrin, which is the supreme legislative council and highest religious and secular tribunal of the Jews. How threatening … the Sanhedrin has total control over them and all Israelites. The apostles have been warned about preaching about Jesus in Jerusalem. And they are adding insult to injury by assigning the blame for Jesus’ death to the high priest and the supreme rulers, insisting that God the Father has raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to a place of honor at God’s right hand. Do the apostles walk away in fear? No, their responsibility is unusual: They rejoice at having dishonor in Jesus’ name. This is something we all should seek. Do we? Are we honored to be His followers, putting up with whatever or whomever accuses us of being believers of God’s commandments and His commands of love to all? Do we just look at the cross in awe, or do we see it as our mission to defend and live love and forgiveness, and care for those who are hurting the poor and all?

The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly throne room where there is a huge multitude of angels and elders surrounding the throne of God. The image representing Jesus — not a warrior, but a slain lamb — is a striking one conveying victory over enemies. Remember that the Passover lambs were sacrificed and their blood smeared on the doorposts, sparing the Hebrews from death and subsequently leading to victory over their enslavers, the Egyptians. Everyone — everything in the universe, including every animal — worships the Lamb. Do I? Am I that grateful? Why not? What is holding me back?

The gospel shows the bravery and solidarity of the apostles: They already are fueled by the Holy Spirit, who gives us the life message that what matters most is our individual, personal love for Jesus. This is so important in the church and for every follower of Jesus. It’s all about personal love for those in leadership and for the lowest of the lowest. When I love, that love comes from God loving me individually all the time. And when I love, others realize they are lovable and loved. Love of Jesus is essential for feeding Christ’s sheep and for being a beloved disciple of Jesus. That’s something the whole Church and each of us needs to learn.

So I reflect on:

• Peter and the others in the boat are discouraged, to say the least. They only move at Jesus’ suggestion — or command, really. Together they wonder among themselves and it seems they can, and need, to love. Do we need to do the same?
• Where is Christ asking me to spend time? Where can I spread the enthusiasm of the catch of fish? How can I nourish those where He is sending me?       

Sacred Space 2025 states:

“We read here that Peter felt hurt that Jesus asked him a third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ We know that Peter had already met Jesus alive and there had been a reconciliation, hence Peter’s eagerness to jump out of the boat to come to Jesus. We too have been reconciled with God through His forgiveness of our sins. Let us be eager to meet Him now in prayer.

“Peter said, ‘Lord, You know everything.’ We can say, ‘Lord, you know too my lack of love, but you know that I want to love you.’”