First Reading - Acts 5:27-32,40-41
Second Reading - Apocalypse 5:11-14
Gospel - John 21:1-19
In the first reading, the apostles stand before the religious leaders who had already imprisoned them, flogged them, and forbidden them to preach in Jesus' name. Yet, they boldly proclaim, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” They know that faithfulness to Jesus may bring suffering, but they also know it brings the joy of standing in the truth. Remarkably, they rejoice after being flogged, grateful to have been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus. Their courage is not reckless—it flows from an inner conviction that what they are doing is right in the eyes of God.
In the gospel, we meet Peter after his threefold denial of Jesus. The risen Lord comes not to accuse him but to restore him. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”—not because he doubts Peter’s love, but because he wants Peter to realize that love is the only thing that can redeem failure and empower leadership. Peter's transformation from a fearful denier to a bold shepherd begins here. He is entrusted with the care of the flock, not because he is perfect, but because he is willing to love, to follow, and to lay down his life, just as Jesus did.
The second reading lifts our eyes to a heavenly vision where countless angels and every creature in heaven and on earth worship the Lamb who was slain. This vision confirms that all our earthly struggles, sufferings, and sacrifices for Christ are not in vain. The Lamb who gave his life for us is now glorified, and all creation praises him. If our lives are aligned with his, we too will share in that glory.
Dear friends, the connecting thread in today’s readings is clear: love leads to obedience, obedience leads to witness, and witness leads to glory. The apostles obeyed God, not men. Peter followed Jesus, even unto martyrdom. The Lamb of God who was slain is now enthroned in eternal praise. If we want to live a meaningful life, we must ask ourselves: Whom do we love? Whom do we obey? Whom do we follow?
In our daily lives, this might mean standing firm in truth when it’s easier to stay silent, forgiving someone who has hurt us deeply, or living our faith with integrity when no one else does. It might mean caring for a sick family member with patience or offering kindness to someone we find difficult to love. These are our moments of witness, where like Peter and the apostles, we show the world that we love Jesus more than comfort, reputation, or ease.
Let us live each day with the desire to please God above all, knowing that even when we fall, his love restores us, his Spirit empowers us, and his glory awaits us.
May we find joy in following Christ, and may our lives give glory to the Lamb who was slain.
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