Third Sunday of Easter Year C: Love, Obedience and Evangelization

Reflection on the Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year C

The readings for the Third Sunday of Easter in Year C invite us to reflect on the transformative power of Christ’s Resurrection and our call to respond with love, obedience, and a missionary spirit. These scriptures—Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; and John 21:1-19—challenge us to deepen our relationship with the Risen Lord and to boldly proclaim His message, even in the face of adversity.

The first reading from Acts of the Apostles shows the apostles, led by Peter, standing before the Sanhedrin. They’ve been ordered to stop preaching about Jesus, yet Peter responds with unwavering conviction: “We must obey God rather than men.” This bold declaration comes from a man who once denied Jesus out of fear but is now transformed by the Holy Spirit into a fearless witness. The apostles even rejoice in their suffering, seeing it as a privilege to endure for Christ’s sake. This reminds us that true discipleship often involves sacrifice. In our own lives, we might face opposition—whether it’s cultural pressure to conform or personal fears of rejection. Peter’s example calls us to prioritize God’s will over human approval, trusting that our fidelity will bear fruit, even if it leads to hardship.

The second reading, from Revelation, offers a cosmic perspective. John’s vision of the Lamb—Christ—being worshipped by every creature in heaven and on earth underscores the universal lordship of Jesus. The imagery of the Lamb, slain yet victorious, highlights the paradox of the Resurrection: through suffering and death, Christ brings life and glory. This passage invites us to join in this heavenly worship, especially in the Eucharist, where we unite with the angels and saints in praising the Risen Lord. It’s a reminder that our faith isn’t just a private affair; it’s part of a grand, universal reality that transcends time and space. How often do we approach Mass with this sense of awe, recognizing that we’re participating in something eternal?

The Gospel from John 21 is a deeply personal encounter between Jesus and His disciples, particularly Peter. After a fruitless night of fishing, the disciples meet the Risen Jesus on the shore, though they don’t initially recognize Him. When He provides a miraculous catch of fish, they realize it’s the Lord—a moment that echoes their first call to follow Him. This scene shows that Jesus seeks us out, even when we’re discouraged or distracted, and invites us back to our mission. For Peter, this mission becomes clear in the dialogue that follows. Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?”—a question that mirrors Peter’s threefold denial and offers him a chance for redemption. Each time Peter affirms his love, Jesus entrusts him with the care of His sheep, ultimately foretelling Peter’s martyrdom. This exchange challenges us to examine our own love for Christ. Do we love Him enough to serve others, even at a cost? Are we willing to “feed His sheep” by sharing His love with those around us?

Together, these readings call us to a faith that is both deeply personal and boldly public. Peter’s transformation in Acts shows us that the Resurrection empowers us to overcome our failures and fears. Revelation reminds us that our worship connects us to the eternal victory of Christ. And the Gospel urges us to respond to Jesus’ love with a commitment to serve, even unto death. As we reflect on these scriptures, let’s ask ourselves: Where do we need to repent and renew our love for Christ? How can we be more courageous in sharing our faith? And how can we better care for the “sheep” entrusted to us—our families, friends, and communities? The Risen Lord is with us, calling us to follow Him with all our hearts. May we respond with the same love and dedication as Peter, trusting that our fidelity will lead us to share in Christ’s glory.