Readings: Acts 5:27-32,40-41, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, Rev. 5:11-14, John 21:1-19
“He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he told him the 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.’” (John 21:17)
“Love” is the most misused word in the English dictionary. Very often, when we say we love someone, we either do not understand the implication of what we say or are only interested in obtaining benefits from them. This applies especially in our relationship with God. We often sing: “Jesus, I love you, all I have is yours, yours am I Lord, yours I want to be”, but when faced with temptation or trial, we run like the apostles who fled during Jesus’ arrest. The truth is that love requires sacrifice. We cannot claim to love God if we are not willing to suffer on behalf of God.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Keeping God’s commandments requires sacrifice. We must let go of the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (Cf. 1st John 2:15) The last line of today’ First Reading states: “Then they left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.” (Acts 5:41) One of the secrets of the success of the early Christian Church was that Christians understood completely that following Christ meant denying themselves and taking up their crosses daily. (Cf. Mat. 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23).
The early Christian Church succeeded largely because its love for God was not predicated on material prosperity but on the hope of eternal glory. They were willing to store treasures in heaven where moths and rust could not consume them and thieves could not break in and steal. (Cf. Matt 6:19, Mark 6:20, and Luke 12:21). As the saying goes, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of Christianity. Let us now consider our lessons for today:
1. If You Love God, the World Would Hate You.
In today’s First Reading, what played out is simply a confirmation of the words of Jesus in John 15:18-20: “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember what I said, ‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.” Do not expect the world to love you for being a Christian or for shining your light; instead, expect hatred and persecution. This world is not our own.
2. If You Love God, You Will Obey God Rather Than Men.
Despite the threats, beatings, and imprisonment, Peter and the apostles said to the assembly: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (Acts 5:29). Remember that the law of God is greater and higher than any human authority. Any human law that goes against the law of God is null and void. The apostles were warned against preaching in the name of Jesus, but they so zealously proclaimed the name of Jesus that today, there is virtually nowhere in the world where the name of Jesus has not been preached.
If you ever find yourself asking whether to obey God or to obey man, just remember the words of Jesus: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:4). Also, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.”
3. If You Love God, You Will Promote His Kingdom.
It is not enough to live good lives; we must use every means to promote God’s kingdom on earth. Peter made a great mistake by returning to fishing after two apparitions of the risen Jesus. That night, they worked as hard as they could but caught nothing. This experience teaches us that, having been called by God, we cannot find success anywhere else. Jonah tried to run from God when he was called to preach to the Ninevites, but when he found himself in the belly of the fish, he begged for a second chance.
Secondly, it shows us that when God is not involved in any undertaking we embark upon, it amounts to futility. Jesus told us: “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me… Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit because you can do nothing apart from me. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers.” (John 15:4-6) Whether you are a doctor, a lawyer, a farmer, a teacher, a businessman/woman, or whatever field you find yourself in, make sure that God is involved in what you are doing. Talk about God to your clients, play Christian songs in your work environment, dress decently, be kind to strangers, be a man or woman of integrity, and always say the truth. The same disciples who worked all night and caught nothing suddenly made a tremendous catch when they started talking to Jesus the next morning.
Thirdly, through the huge fish catch, Jesus practically explained the concept of ‘providence’ to the apostles. God will always provide for His work. Anyone who sets out to work for God should never be worried about what to eat, drink, or wear. God knows what we need these things, but if we trust Him and do His work, they shall be given to us. (Cf. Matthew 6:31-33). They caught one hundred and fifty-three large fish, equivalent to the number of known nations in the world then. Peter understood this was a sign – he was no longer to catch fish but to fish for men; he was no longer to worry about where to get food or clothing because God would provide.
4. If You Love God, You Will Feed His Sheep.
For the three times Peter denied ever knowing Jesus, Jesus made him take back his words by asking: “Do you love me?” Before a little girl, before a young man, and before some bystanders at the fireplace, Peter said, “No,” but now Jesus gives him a chance to say “Yes”. This experience teaches us the importance of restitution. It is not enough to say, “I am sorry” You have to find a way to undo the wrong you have done.
Jesus added, “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep.” Jesus is not a fan of audio love; He demands something practical. St. James would say: “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? (James 2:15-16). And as Jesus makes us understand: “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:41-42). Let your love for God be seen in your actions today and always.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may our love for you grow deeper every day so that we may seek your kingdom first and be willing to sacrifice for your sake. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (3rd Sunday of Easter Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 5:27-32,40-41, Ps. 30:2,4-6,11-13, Rev. 5:11-14, John 21:1-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu