Acts 5:27b-32, 40b-41

Ps 30(29)

Apocalypse 5:11-14

John 21:1-19 (shorter form 21:1-14 – which omits Jesus calling of Peter to lead his flock)

In today’s Gospel, we have come full circle, from his call to Peter at the beginning of his ministry, to his commission of Peter before he ascends to the Father in Heaven. The scene is located in the north of the Holy Land in Galilee, on the shores of Lake Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias or Lake Gennesaret. The disciples are fishing, recalling their previous occupations but also symbolizing their new role in the gathering of disciples. As at the time of Jesus call to Peter to follow, him, they have fished all night and caught nothing. (1) Once again, Jesus suggests that they cast their nets out once again and again, they bring in a huge haul of fish. The number of fish is specified on this occasion, 153. St Jerome states that Greek zoologists had recorded 153 different types of fish, so the number symbolizes the universality of the Gospel’s message and mission.

On the shore, Jesus is preparing breakfast with a charcoal fire. St John mentions a charcoal fire before, at the entrance to the High Priests residence when Jesus was being tried. And beside which Peter had kept himself warm. (2) The reappearance of the charcoal fire here indicates something significant is going to happen to Peter.

“Simon, do you love me more than these?” This is not a challenge to Peter to love him more than the other disciples love him, that would ferment division among them, rather a question: Do you love me above anyone else? Jesus is making sure of Peter’s priorities, that he has the Lord as his top priority, and he is doing so because he is about to entrust Peter with pastoral ministry.: “Feed my Sheep.”

Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” There is great significance in this exchange. Only days before, when Peter had been warming himself before that other charcoal fire, he had denied Jesus three times in front of bystanders. Here, in front of six other bystanders, Jesus is untying the knots of that night, no reprimand, no recriminations, only a space to unsay the shameful words of his triple denial by saying the words of love. With the knots untied, Peter is free to feed the sheep.

This freedom leads to Peter’s actions in the front of the council in our first reading. Freed from the bonds of his previous denials, Peter stands with the other Apostles and not only rejects the councils demands to stop teaching in Jesus' name but goes further and tells them that they are witnesses as it the Holy Spirit and they must obey God rather than them, no matter the cost.

This is the challenge for us. Jesus asks, “Do you prefer anyone else to me?” He insists, “I am to be loved above all.” He can do this because he is the Lord, He can do this because he is God; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” (3)

Jesus is God in the flesh, the saviour of the world: he is our Lord and God: he must be the Lord of our Life.

(1)   Lk5:5-7

(2)   Jn18:18

(3)   Dt6:4-7

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Past. Present. Future. All three take place in the celebration of the liturgy. We recall the past salvific events of God, especially what was accomplished by Jesus Christ in his life, death, and resurrection. We celebrate the sacred mysteries or the liturgy in the present time. We look forward in hope to the future resurrection and eternal glory. Today’s collect highlights this reality. We first recall the past. We have rejoiced in the restored glory of our adoption, which has happened sacramentality in the celebration of our baptism and recalled during the celebration of Easter. In the sacraments of initiation, we receive the spirit of filial adoption and are part of the People of God, the Church. Recalling this great gift of divine life or divine filiation, causes us youthfulness of spirit. Youthfulness of spirit is not bound to a numerical number but is founded on the reality of joy in relationship with God and with each other. Pope Francis has often reminded us of the importance of being people of joy, and not people with vinegar faces! St Francis de Sales reminds us as well, that a spoon full of honey gets more flies than a barrel full of vinegar. At all times, especially during this Eastertide, we need to be people of joy. Because of the past and present, we can therefore look forward with confident hope to the future in the resurrection. As Pope Francis said, “hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable. ”It is easy to fall into despair especially when so many things seem so wrong around us in the world, but the gift of hope allows us to see beyond the present storms of life, and trust in God that all will be well at the end of the day, especially at the end of life. As we continue of Eastertide journey together, let us give thanks for the gift of our baptism, be people of joy, and have confident hope for the future.

Bidding Prayers

‍For the Church and her people –

may they be given greater courage to witness to the values of the gospel throughout the world by living a life of joy and hope.

For persecuted Christians –

may they call on the Holy Spirit in their hour of need, and be glad, as the apostles were, to have the honour of suffering humiliation for Jesus’ sake.

For a powerful witness in this community to our faith –

may we support each other in love and prayer, to cling to our faith, and help it grow, so that our Christian witness in this place never be found wanting.

For the sick and lonely –

may they be consoled by the presence of Jesus and the strength of the Holy Spirit.

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Note: These hymns have been chosen from different sources.

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Let all the world in every corner sing (CFE357, L716)

Crown him with many crowns (CFE139, L321, LHON229, TCH141)

We have a gospel to proclaim (CFE778, L852)

This is my body, broken for you (CFE730, L627, LHON681)

Will you come and follow me (The Summons) (CFE812, L877, LHON740)

Key

CFE - Celebration Hymnal for Everyone

L – Laudate

LHON – Liturgical Hymns Old and New (Mayhew, 1999)

TCH – The Catholic Hymnbook (Gracewing)