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Like Peter, we're called to build Jesus' kingdom

Based on the Readings Acts 5:27b-32, 40b-41; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-9

“We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The readings for this Third Sunday of Easter continue to tell about bearing witness to Jesus.

In Acts, the Apostles experienced the risen Christ and began spreading the Good News despite warnings and opposition from the ruling Sanhedrin.

In Revelation, John teaches that Jesus, the Lamb of God, is reigning triumphantly in heaven. All who put their faith in Christ will not only die with Christ, but also will rise someday and join creation in heaven to praise Jesus Christ as our Redeemer.

The Gospel presents a surprise breakfast at the seashore and another visit with Jesus after his Resurrection.

Out fishing all night, Peter and the disciples caught nothing. At morning, following Jesus’ instructions to cast out their net, the catch is larger than expected. Reaching shore, Peter and the disciples see Jesus has lit a fire and cooked a breakfast of bread and fish for them.

After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

This scene – a fire, three questions and three responses – recalls, at the time of Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s earlier denials of knowing Jesus. After those denials, Peter “wept bitterly” (Lk 22:61, 62).

Not giving up on Peter, Jesus granted him the grace of repentance and the continuing grace of the Holy Spirit to faithfully follow him and lead his church as the first chief shepherd of the church – the first pope.

Like Peter, Jesus tells us, too, we can begin again to follow him and help build his Kingdom – as many times as is necessary.

Jesus will always forgive us our sins. At the same time, he will always give us the grace of the Holy Spirit for strength and courage to be his faithful followers.