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  3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C: Homily by Fr Isaac Chima

Theme: Stand firm whenever evil fights back.

Readings: Acts 5:27b-32,40b-41; Rev. 5: 11-14; Jn. 21: 1-19

Dear friends, prior to His crucifixion, Jesus repeatedly instructed His disciples to be His witnesses to the world, that they will take the good news to the ends of the world. After His resurrection, He continued to appear to them, providing encouragement and reminding them of their divine mission as apostles—to spread His message to every corner of the earth.

However, due to their struggle to fully grasp the significance of His death and resurrection, the disciples returned to their old profession of fishing, neglecting their true calling to 'catch men’. Yet again, Jesus appeared to them in today’s gospel and, with the miracle of the great catch, demonstrated to them the importance of listening to His voice. This miracle illustrated that their true success depended on their commitment to follow Christ and adhere to the mission He entrusted to them.

In this encounter, Jesus sought confirmation from Peter regarding his commitment to the divine mission entrusted to him. He posed the same question three times, and each time, Peter assured Him of his willingness to do His will and care for His flock. With these affirmations, the apostles returned to the mission given to them by Christ. They went back to prepare themselves to bear witness to Jesus.

The first reading today illustrated how the apostles, particularly through Peter's words, remained steadfast in their mission to witness for Jesus before men. It emphasized that fulfilling this mission requires unwavering obedience to Jesus, even when faced with opposition from people who may try to deter us. I admire Peter's bravery in his response to those who sought to silence him from teaching in Jesus' name.

The apostles serve as a powerful example of how to respond when worldly pressures, friends, authorities, and our own desires push us to stray from God's commands. In this reading, the divine mission instructed the apostles to testify about Jesus' resurrection and to proclaim forgiveness and eternal life through Him. In contrast, the authorities commanded them to refrain from preaching in Christ's name and to avoid talking about His resurrection. Ultimately, as demonstrated in this passage, the apostles prioritized their obedience to God's word above all else.

At times, directives from government officials may attempt to hinder positive Christian endeavours without any valid justification. Additionally, there are instances when authorities might enact laws that conflict with God's commandments. In such situations, our allegiance to God must take precedence, because human laws are only binding when they are in accordance with right reason and with the eternal law of God. Furthermore, the inclinations of our hearts or those of our peers may conflict with our Christian faith. During these times, it is crucial to prioritize obedience to God above all else. We must consistently place God's will above the demands of men and our own desires, for to Him first who sits upon the throne belongs everlasting honour, glory, and power, as highlighted in the second reading.

In the first reading, the apostles were beaten and instructed not to preach in Christ's name again. Their response to the unjust treatment from the high priest serves as an inspiring example for us. Rather than complaining about suffering for Christ, they praised God for giving them the opportunity to suffer for the sake of Christ and they continued preaching in Christ’s name.

Dear friends, we find ourselves in a world where adhering to God's teachings and living a devoted Christian life can often result in mockery and scorn from others; a society that seeks to silence the mention of God's name in public discourse. Remaining true to Christ's teachings has caused many to lose friendships, favours, and opportunities. Sadly, numerous Christians have turned away from their faith and ceased attending church due to the harsh treatment they have faced because of their beliefs.

In today’s first reading, the apostles remind us that the appropriate response for a Christian when confronted with hostility and challenges is not to abandon the faith or blame God, but rather to appreciate the chance to share in Christ's suffering. We must understand that witnessing to Christ’s resurrection and living a genuine Christian life will inevitably invite opposition from those who do evil. Standing resolutely with Christ when evil fights back (in the face of adversity) is the calling of every true Christian. Let us always keep in mind that following God's word will ultimately lead to success and honour, even if it brings with it moments of humiliation and sorrow.

Fr. Isaac Chinemerem Chima