Acts 5:27b–32, 40b–41, Psalm 30, Revelation 5:11–14, and John 21:1–19
Feed My Sheep: Easter Faith and Apostolic Witness
Easter symbolises much more than just a day of resurrection; it represents a beautiful season, a refreshing way of living, and a heartwarming time when the Risen Lord walks beside us, teaches us, and inspires us with strength. Today’s readings invite us to reflect on this renewal—a wonderful journey from fear to faith, from setbacks to purpose, and from death to glorious new beginnings.
Meeting the Risen Lord in the Ordinary (John 21:1–19)
Let’s dive into the Gospel, which beautifully captures one of the most touching and relatable moments in all Scripture. When the disciples returned to Galilee, they were still feeling uncertain about their next steps, even after their encounter with the Risen Jesus. It is during this time that Peter declares, “I’m going fishing.” This isn’t just a casual pastime; it’s a return to his old life before Jesus came into the picture. As they sit by the calm sea in the gentle morning light, Jesus approaches them with kindness, without scolding or reprimanding. He asks, “Children, have you caught anything?” When they respond that they have not, he encourages them to cast their nets on the opposite side. The miraculous catch that follows stirs fond memories of that very first moment when Jesus called them years ago. Afterwards, they share a warm breakfast together. The Risen Lord, in all His glory, prepares a meal for them. This same Jesus, who triumphed over death, is here nourishing His disciples in their moment of confusion and hunger. What a beautiful image of divine humility and love! The glory of Easter is not a distant event – it connects with our daily labour, our weariness, and our needs.
Peter’s Restoration: “Do You Love Me?”
At the core of this passage is the heartfelt and profound dialogue between Jesus and Peter. Remember, Peter denied Jesus three times, and in a beautiful act of restoration, Jesus asks him the same question three times: “Do you love me?” Each time, this inquiry dives deeper into Peter’s heart—not out of doubt, but to bring healing, replacing the shame of denial with the warm embrace of love. With each of Peter’s responses, Jesus entrusts him with a mission: “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.” Loving Jesus is about more than just showing affection; it’s about caring deeply for His people. This illustrates what true discipleship looks like—a love that motivates us to serve others, even when it’s challenging. Jesus then shares a solemn prophecy with Peter: he will one day stretch out his hands and go where he may not want to, hinting at Peter’s own path to martyrdom. Yet, amidst this, Jesus encourages him: “Follow me.” This serves as a call to love with courage, serve with selflessness, and endure any challenges for the sake of Christ.
The Apostolic Witness (Acts 5:27b–32, 40b–41)
Today’s first reading highlights an amazing transformation in Peter! Once filled with fear, he now boldly shares the Gospel with the very authorities who condemned Jesus. When the high priest commands them to stop teaching about Jesus, Peter courageously replies, “We must obey God rather than men.” After facing flogging and humiliation, what do the apostles do? They rejoice for being considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name of Jesus! This truly illustrates the power of the Resurrection: it transforms ordinary, flawed individuals into fearless witnesses, even in the face of persecution. The same Spirit is given to us. While we may not stand before courts, we are still called to be public witnesses—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Let’s live in a way that makes others recognise not just our beliefs, but also the one we follow!
The Worship of Heaven (Revelation 5:11 14)
If the Gospel shows us Jesus as the loving shepherd and Acts calls Him the Name above all names, then the reading from Revelation reveals what’s happening in heaven right now. John sees a beautiful vision of countless angels and all of creation worshipping together, proclaiming: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!” Jesus, the crucified and risen One, is so much more than just our Saviour—He is our King, the very heart of all creation, worthy of blessing, honour, glory, and might forever. It’s truly remarkable that we get to join in that heavenly worship every time we celebrate the Mass. The “Holy, Holy, Holy” we sing mirrors the same hymn of praise that rings out in heaven. When we partake in the Eucharist, we receive not just bread, but the risen and glorified Lamb of God.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
So what do these readings say to us, here and now?
• Like Peter, we may have stumbled, perhaps denying Christ through our actions, silence, or sins. Yet, Jesus awaits us at the shore of our lives, inviting us back, not with shame, but with forgiveness.
• Like the apostles, we are called witnesses, even at a cost and during uncomfortable times. The world continues to need courageous Christians.
• Just like the heavenly host, we are created to worship on Sundays and in every aspect of our lives, bringing glory to the Lamb through our words, work, love, and service.
At the heart of everything we do with Jesus and our everyday life, there’s a beautiful question: “Do you love me?” This is the question Jesus lovingly asks each of us today. It’s not about whether you’ve done everything perfectly or reached great success, but rather: “Do you love me?” If our answer is sincere, we are invited to follow Him. We are called to care for His flock. Friends, the story of Easter goes on. Christ has risen, indeed—but He is also reaching out to you. He longs to connect with you in your everyday moments. He wants to heal what is broken. He is sending you to serve others. So, come to the Lord today with open hearts. Listen to His voice, receive His Body, and then go out to care for His flock. “To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour, glory and might, forever and ever. Amen.”
