'Follow me'

3rd Sunday of Easter

John 21: 1-19 

May 4, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, we find ourselves celebrating the Third Sunday of Easter, a privileged time in which we continue to rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The light of Easter still shines brightly in our lives, and the readings today invite us to reflect on the bold witness of the apostles, the joy that flows from the resurrection and how the risen Christ continues to call us to a new life. In today’s Gospel, Jesus meets his disciples once again and teaches us something essential for our Christian lives: how to recognize him and follow him.

In the first reading, the apostles, despite being persecuted and threatened, remain steadfast in their witness to the risen Christ. Their courage in proclaiming the salvation of Jesus teaches us to be faithful and fearless in our faith, no matter the difficulties or challenges we face. Psalm 30 is a hymn of praise to God for his power and saving action. It reminds us that, in Christ, God has given us victory over death, and for this, we must praise him with gratitude and joy, recognizing his sovereignty and love. In the Book of Revelation, we are presented with a heavenly vision in which all creation worships Christ, the Lamb who was slain and has risen. This vision invites us to recognize the magnitude of Jesus’ resurrection, which not only impacts our lives but also transforms the entire universe. God is worthy of glory and adoration for his triumph over evil and death.

Today’s Gospel reveals a profound and transformative encounter between Jesus and his disciples. After the resurrection, the disciples return to Galilee but do not immediately recognize him. While they fish without success, Jesus appears on the shore and instructs them to cast their nets once more, resulting in an abundant catch. This miracle reminds the disciples of their first encounter with Jesus when they were called to be fishers of men. It also invites us to reflect on how our lives can often feel empty without the presence of Jesus, but when we follow and obey him, he fills us with blessings that exceed our expectations.

The most beautiful part of this passage is the dialogue between Jesus and Peter. After the miraculous catch, Jesus invites the disciples to share a meal with him. Then, he asks Peter three times: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” This threefold question not only restores Peter after his threefold denial but also calls him to a new mission: to tend and care for Jesus’ sheep. The resurrection not only restores Peter but also sends him forth as the leader of the Christian community. In the same way, Jesus calls us not only to recognize him but also to follow him, love him and be sent forth to proclaim his Gospel.

Today’s readings invite us to live with courage and hope, like the apostles, bearing witness to the power and victory of the risen Christ. We are called to praise God for his marvelous work and remind everyone that his resurrection brings life and salvation. 

How have I experienced the presence of the risen Jesus in my daily life? What does it mean for me to be a bold witness of Jesus’ resurrection in my surroundings? In what areas of my life can I respond with greater love and faithfulness to Jesus’ call, as Peter did? 

May the Holy Spirit give us the strength to heed his call and live with joy the mission entrusted to us. May we, like Peter, sincerely say to him: “Lord, you know that I love you.” Let us move forward with hope, knowing that the risen Christ walks with us. May the peace of the risen Lord fill our hearts!