Reflections from the April 10 Gospel
John 21:1-19
Just as Jesus had the power to conquer death, so too through his grace we have the power to conquer our sins. We can live a resurrected life, we can have a new beginning, just as Peter did that day at the Sea of Tiberias when he pledged his faith anew. Three times Simon Peter had denied Jesus. Now, he finally had the opportunity to assure Jesus that he loved him, thereby making up for his earlier failure and weakness on the night of the Crucifixion.
This pledge of faith, it’s interesting to note, also came with a kind of commission. Each time that Peter told the Lord he loved him, Jesus responded with a command: “Feed my lambs,” “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” Peter’s love for Christ was meant to be manifested in his love and care for the church, as is the case with every pope. But it’s also true for every Christian. We are called not just to relish the gift of forgiveness and the grace of new life in Christ, but to take the next step of loving and serving those around us.
Questions of the Week
John 21:1-19: What challenges do you face in
following Jesus?
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41:
In what ways do you bear witness to your faith in the resurrected Christ?
Revelation 5:11-14:
What is your reaction to John’s initial vision of heaven in today’s reading?