Breaking Open the Word
May 4, 3rd Sunday of Easter
Introduction
The first reading comes from the Acts of the Apostles. Earlier in Acts, the apostles had been called before the Sanhedrin and warned not to preach in the name of Jesus. They defied this warning and later were again thrown in jail, but an angel freed them during the night. The guards found the apostles teaching in the temple and took them before the Sanhedrin again. Today’s passage recounts this second appearance before the Sanhedrin. When the high priest repeats the prohibition against preaching in the name of Jesus, the apostles insist that they must obey God rather than human beings. They again proclaim the core of the Christian message to the Sanhedrin. In the verses that are omitted today, Gameliel argues that the Sanhedrin should not attempt to stop the apostles. If their movement is of human origin, it will die out, but if it is of God, they would be fighting against God. Somewhat persuaded, they flog the apostles and let them go with another warning. The apostles rejoice that they have been found worthy to suffer for the sake of the name of Jesus.
In the second reading from Revelation, John sees his vision of the heavenly liturgy, on which the earthly liturgy is based. The angels, the living creatures and the elders surround the throne and praise the “Lamb that was slain, “an often-used title for the risen Christ. Then every creature in the universe joins in the praise, honoring both the Father (the one on the throne) and the Lamb.
One reason the Book of Revelation is hard to understand is the author draws on imagery from the Old Testament and other writings that are unfamiliar to us. He also adapts that imagery for his own purposes. Although this book often leaves us perplexed, it still inspires a sense of awe and solemnity and sometimes a sense of urgency.
As John’s vision continues, he sees God’s vast throne room. In the middle is the risen Jesus, whom John most often calls the Lamb. Because Jesus gave his life for the world’s salvation, he (with God) is now the focal point of all worship.
The four living creatures represent the best of living beings from across the known world. The elders may be a heavenly council that mirrors the church on earth. These beings join the angels and all creation in praising God (the one who sits on the throne) and the Lamb.
Gospel Explained
This resurrection appearance story comes from the final chapter of John, which is probably an epilogue that was added sometime after the original gospel was written. This appearance story seems to come from an independent tradition of appearance in Galilee and seems to assume that this is the first appearance of the risen Christ to the disciples. The disciples have gone back to their old occupations and do not recognize Jesus at first.
The appearance story combines a wondrous catch of fish with a meal, which is followed by a commissioning of Peter. The number of fish caught (153) is surely symbolic, but just what it symbolizes is disputed. Saint Jerome says that the 153 was the number of all the kinds of fish in the world, which would suggest that this speaks of the universality of the church’s mission. Just as Jesus fed the people in John 6, he now feeds the disciples. He not only sends them on a mission, but nourishes them for the work. Our celebration of the Eucharist also strengthens us to go forth and draw others to Christ.
Three times during Jesus’ trial, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Now Jesus formally restores Peter to good standing. Three times Jesus asks Simon (Peter’s previous name) to formally declare his love. In John 10 Jesus spoke of himself as the good shepherd who would lay down his life for the sheep. In John 13, Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as I have loved you. Jesus tells Peter to lead the church with the same self-sacrificing love. Jesus contrasts the freedom Peter has enjoyed up to now with the demands of leadership. Peter was free to bind up his garment and jump from the boat into the water, but eventually he will be bound by others and led to his death.
Today's Theme
One of the features of the stories about the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection is that they nearly always end up with Jesus commissioning someone. Jesus appears for a purpose. The presence of Jesus is strongly linked with the sense of calling. Peter denied Jesus three times on the night of Jesus’ arrest, and repented; now, Jesus is offering him three chances to redeem himself. Jesus first dealt with Peter’s sin and then commissioned him to work on His behalf. Jesus asks three times if Peter loves him with the deeper, stronger, and more sacrificial kind of love and not mere love involving brotherly love or friendship. In any event, “the one thing about which Jesus questioned Peter prior to commissioning him to tend the flock, was love. This is the basic qualification for Christian service.
Theme in our Life Today
How would we respond to the call “follow me?”. In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus make Peter tell him he loves him three times to confirm his faith and his calling. How are we being called and how do we respond? Do we see God in all the glorious blessings we are given? Do we see God in our accomplishments or successes? Do we thank God even in our sufferings? We are all called to “follow him”. We are asked to take up our crosses and follow him in that journey. Many times, people turn to God only in times of need. How often do we thank him for all the blessings that we have and how are we using our strengths and talents to spread the good news? We have a choice on how we respond to the calling of “follow me”. How are you going to respond to this invitation?
Prepare for Sunday
1. Relate an experience when someone did not give up on you in spite of your past failures.
2. What does it mean for you when Jesus says to you, “Follow me? “ What prevents you from following Jesus?
3. What is God asking of you in your life right now?
4. Which “sheep” are not being fed well now? What will you do about this in the next few weeks?
PRAYER
God, our Father, source of eternal life and truth, give to your people a spirit of courage and right judgement, a spirit of knowledge and love.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen