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

 3^RD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR C: REFLECTION BY FR JULIAN EKEH

THEME: CHRIST REVEALS HIS LOVING PRESENCE; LET US LOVE HIM IN RETURN

(John 21:1-19)

Today is the third Sunday after the resurrection of Christ. Today, Jesus showed Himself for the third time to the disciples. He appeared today with abundant blessings; He comes with spiritual and temporal satisfaction. He appeared that disappointment, fear, hunger, near success syndrome, missing the mark, and fruitless ventures may disappear.

Let's see what this third appearance of Jesus has for us.

 

 LABOUR AND FAVOUR

The disciples had gone back to their normal, past business of fishing. They followed Peter, maybe not as a spiritual leader but as an expert in fishing. But despite his expertise, they laboured in vain. Peter forgot that it was from that same fishing that he was called to fish souls. Jesus came back to that point of nothingness to demonstrate to him that He still lives. That nothing changed in Him, and as such, nothing should change in their relationship with Him. Thus, He once again did them a favour. Thus, through His good work, He was recognized. Never labour without Jesus. May He show you where to dip your net for a better and best catch of divine goodness. May God bless the good work of your hands.

 

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL SATISFACTION

Jesus is the one inquiring into our needs and worries. Having asked: have you caught anything? Jesus proceeds to invite the disciples for a meal. Jesus prepares a table for you. He cares about your spiritual satisfaction as well as your human fill. He had already made the bread a spiritual nourishment at the last super. There was bread there too.  With the fish, he satisfied the hunger of their stomach. He continues today to feed us at the two tables of the word and Eucharist. He asks us, too, if there are other areas we need him. Let's learn to bring our emptiness to Jesus and be filled. Let's not be lazy but endeavour to give in our best for God to sanctify it and satisfy us with it.

 

JESUS IS HUNGRY TOO OF LOVE

Having filled the hungry disciples, Jesus too gets hungry. Having restored the apostles to the Communion they lost during his trial, Jesus gets hungry. Let's not forget that while hanging on the cross, He was thirsty, thirsty of souls. Now He continues to hunger and thirst for love. He immediately remembered the three times His lover Peter betrayed Him. Hence, He asked him three good times: Do you love me? Not just any type of love. But love beyond every other person's love. The Jesus who loved you in an extraordinary manner deserves an extraordinary type of love from you. Do not starve him of that. Do not get tired like Peter of expressing the love. May the love of God continue to abide with you as you place all your hope in Him.

 

OUR BIOLOGICAL FATHERS ARE HUNGRY FOR LOVE

Today, as we thank God  for the gift of our father's and husbands, we employ ourselves to show them love. Just as our Lord Jesus Christ, they too ask: do you love me? Most of the time, we give our fathers less attention. We take them to be strong and mighty.  But in actual sense, most of them are lonely, weak, and in need of care and pampering. They cover their emotions, but behind their manliness lies deep pains, tears, disappointments, frustrations, and worries.

Do you love your husband when all you do is to make him sad and unhappy? Do you love your husband when you are always causing him heartbreaks with your nagging attitude? Do you love him when you make him think that your coming into his life is the greatest mistake of his life?  Mothers, please show love to the fathers and teach your children to love them and always try to know their unuttered good heart desires.

Love your father by making him proud of you. Love him by living a morally sound lifestyle. Love him and make people see you and remember your father for good even after his life here on earth. Be a good Ahunwa echeta Nna.

Fathers be good and loving, too. Be of good character. Avoid those things that make your children hide their faces in shame. Make God your source of inspiration and motivation. Live lives that give glory to God. Avoid bringing problems to your homes. Don't break your own families. Be manly enough to control yourself. Do not abuse the authority God gave you as the head of your family. May God strengthen you all and give you good health of mind and body. May you live to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Amen

 

FOLLOW JESUS

Jesus knows the danger of leaving us on our own. He knows we can't do anything without Him. Having paved the pathway for us, namely love, Jesus invites us just as He invited Peter to follow Him. If you follow Jesus, you will not walk in the dark; if you follow Jesus, you will have a good catch; if you follow Jesus Christ, you will reach your destination; if you follow Jesus, He will in His love lead you to everlasting life.

May God bless His word in our hearts.

 

LET US PRAY

Oh God bless us and help us to be sorry for the many times we have not truly appreciated what You did for us in Christ Jesus. Continue to shower Your loving kindness upon each and every one of us in abundance, especially our fathers through Christ our Lord. Amen

Happy Easter to you. (Easter Week 3)

Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh