Jesus’ unending love and grace for all

Acts 5:27b-32.40b-41; Psalm: 29; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19

Today’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. It is a powerful and moving account of Jesus’ love and forgiveness, as well as the disciples’ response to his call to follow him. This passage may seem like a simple story of Jesus cooking breakfast for his disciples, but it is actually a profound reflection on the theme of redemption and reconciliation.

The disciples are out fishing, but they catch nothing all night. Jesus appears on the shore and instructs them to cast their net on the other side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. This event harkens back to an earlier encounter in Luke 5 where Jesus called Peter to be a fisher of men. As the disciples realize that it is the risen Lord standing on the shore, they rush to greet him. This moment signifies the disciples’ recognition of Jesus’ presence in their lives and their eagerness to be in communion with him.

The story takes a poignant turn when Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. This repetition is significant because it mirrors Peter’s three denials of Jesus during his trial. By asking Peter this question, Jesus offers Peter the chance to reaffirm his love and commitment to him. This encounter is a powerful reminder that Jesus forgives and restores us, no matter how many times we have denied him or fallen short of his expectations.

Peter’s response to Jesus’ question highlights the depth of his love and his desire to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. He declares his love for Jesus three times, symbolizing his repentance and reconciliation with Jesus. Jesus then commissions Peter to “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, and feed my sheep”, thereby entrusting him with the responsibilities of leadership and care within the community of believers.

This passage invites us to reflect on our own relationship with Jesus and our willingness to follow him wholeheartedly. Like Peter, we may have moments of doubt, fear, and failure in our faith journey. However, Jesus calls us to come to him with humility, repentance, and a sincere desire to be reconciled with him. Just as Jesus forgave Peter and restored him to a position of leadership, he offers us the same opportunity for redemption and renewal in our relationship with him.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of the transformative power of Jesus’ love and forgiveness in our lives. Through his grace and mercy, we are able to overcome our failures and shortcomings and be restored to a life of purpose and service to God. Jesus’ call to Peter to “Follow me” is an invitation for us to commit ourselves to a life of discipleship and service, following his example of love, compassion, and humility.

The story of Jesus’ appearance to his disciples on the Sea of Tiberias is a profound reminder of the unending love and grace that Jesus extends to each of us. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we respond to Jesus’ call to love and serve him. Like the disciples, we are called to leave behind our doubts, fears, and failures and embrace Jesus’ message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption.

In conclusion, today’s Gospel is a powerful and moving account of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to his disciples. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Jesus’ love and forgiveness in our lives and challenges us to reflect on our own relationship with him. Through this passage, we are invited to come to Jesus with humility, repentance, and a sincere desire to be reconciled with him. Just as Jesus forgave Peter and restored him to a position of leadership, he offers us the same opportunity for redemption and renewal in our relationship with him. May we respond to Jesus’ call to “Follow me” with faith, love, and devotion, trusting in his never-ending grace and mercy.