💖 HOMILY - APRIL 25 💖

First Reading - Acts 4:1-12

Gospel - John 21:1-14

Many people don’t like to be dependent. That’s because dependency is often seen as a loss of freedom. But the readings today invite us to a different kind of dependence—not a slavish submission, but a trusting readiness to listen to God and follow His guidance.

In the Gospel, we hear the account of the risen Jesus appearing to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The Gospel notes that “it was light” when Jesus appeared—this light signifies not just the time of day, but the dawning of a new beginning. The disciples had spent the whole night fishing, but caught nothing. And then Jesus appeared. He instructs them to cast the net on the right side—and though they were expert fishermen, it was only in following Jesus’ command that they experienced success. Their obedience led to abundance.

The first reading presents another moment of trust and courage. Peter and John are brought before the council after healing the lame man and preaching the resurrection of Jesus. The religious leaders are disturbed and hostile. But Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks boldly. He proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah, the one rejected and crucified, but now raised by God. Peter’s courage is not born of human confidence, but from a deep dependence on God. Because he submitted himself to the will of God, the Holy Spirit filled him with power and conviction.

Dear friends, the resurrection of Jesus brings both hope and confidence—hope that our failures are not final, and confidence that God’s promises will never fail. The disciples had tried and failed to catch fish, but when they listened to Jesus, everything changed. That same invitation is extended to us: to listen, to trust, and to obey—especially when our own efforts seem to fall short.

Our talents, strengths, and knowledge may reach their limits, but when we submit ourselves to God in faith, He opens up new possibilities. Where there is no way, He makes a way. And when we are willing to listen and surrender, the Holy Spirit strengthens us, just as He strengthened Peter to speak with boldness and clarity before the authorities.

Peter—the same man who once denied Jesus out of fear—now stands fearlessly before the very leaders who condemned his Lord. What made the difference? His total surrender to God and the power of the Holy Spirit within him.

Let us learn to depend on God—not with reluctance, but with trust. May we open our hearts to His voice, obey His will, and allow His Spirit to guide and strengthen us in every situation.

May God make us docile in heart, willing to listen, and ready to submit to Him always.