TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
4 MAY, 2025
John 21:1-19
At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.
He revealed himself in this way.
Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus,
Nathanael from Cana in Galilee,
Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples.
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We also will come with you.”
So they went out and got into the boat,
but that night they caught nothing.
When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore;
but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?”
They answered him, “No.”
So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat
and you will find something.”
So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in
because of the number of fish.
So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord,
he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad,
and jumped into the sea.
The other disciples came in the boat,
for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards,
dragging the net with the fish.
When they climbed out on shore,
they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread.
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”
So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore
full of one hundred fifty-three large fish.
Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.”
And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?”
because they realized it was the Lord.
Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,
and in like manner the fish.
This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples
after being raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
Jesus said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time,
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go.”
He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this deeply moving post-resurrection scene, Jesus meets His disciples during a time of uncertainty and return to routine—they have gone back to fishing. Despite their efforts, they catch nothing until Jesus intervenes. This miracle reminds us that without Christ, our labors are fruitless, but with Him, there is abundance.
Then, around a fire, Jesus gently restores Peter, who had denied Him three times. By asking Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Jesus both heals Peter’s shame and reaffirms his mission: to shepherd His people.
This passage is not just about Peter’s restoration, but also about our own. No matter how far we fall or how unworthy we feel, Jesus meets us where we are—with grace, patience, and purpose. His invitation is personal and ongoing: “Follow me.”
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You meet me in my ordinary moments, just as You met the disciples by the sea. When my efforts fall short and I feel empty, remind me that You are near, guiding me toward fruitfulness and purpose. Like Peter, I have failed You in many ways—through fear, pride, or neglect. Yet You do not condemn me. You call me back, asking not for perfection but for love. Help me to respond with a heart that says, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Strengthen me to care for others, to lead with humility, and to follow You wherever You lead. Thank You for Your grace, Your patience, and Your constant call to begin again. Amen