SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (3rd May, 2025)

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR C)

1st Reading: (Acts 5:27b-32.40b-41)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 30:2 and 4.5-6.11- 12 and 13b (R. 2a)
2nd Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14)
Gospel Reading: John 21: 1-19

Mary Benita Igwe

REFLECTION

The readings today emphasize the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and love.

In the first reading (Acts 5:27b-32, 40b-41), the apostles boldly proclaim the Gospel, despite opposition, showing their commitment to obeying God rather than men.

The second reading (Revelation 5:11-14) highlights the worthiness of Jesus Christ, who was slain but now reigns with power and glory.

The Gospel (John 21:1-19) shows Jesus' gentle yet powerful presence in the lives of his disciples. He provides for them and calls Peter to feed his sheep, symbolizing the call to serve and care for others.

Reflection :Ask yourself these questions as a Christian 

Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, like the apostles, despite challenges?

 Do we recognize the worthiness of Jesus Christ in our lives?

Are we responding to Jesus' call to serve and care for others, like Peter?

May we grow in faithfulness, obedience, and love, following Jesus' example.

Amen

Kenneth Ashiabuchi

REFLECTION 

Called to Witness, Worship, and Shepherd

 First Reading: Acts 5:27b–32, 40b–41 “We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit.”

The apostles stand boldly before the Sanhedrin. Even under threat, they proclaim the truth of Christ’s Resurrection. Their message is clear: “We must obey God rather than men.” They are not ashamed of suffering for the name of Jesus, but rejoice in it — because suffering for Christ is a sign of authentic discipleship. The Resurrection gives us courage. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to witness — not only with words, but with joyful endurance in the face of rejection or suffering.

 Second Reading: Revelation 5:11–14 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”

Here we are taken into a heavenly vision of worship. The Lamb who was slain — Jesus Christ — is now exalted and adored by angels and every creature. The Resurrection is not only a historical event, but an eternal reality. Christ reigns in glory. He is worthy of our worship, our lives, and our all. Our lives must reflect heavenly worship. We join in this eternal song each time we gather at Mass and every time we live in awe, reverence, and gratitude to the Risen Christ.

 Gospel: John 21:1–19 “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.” 

This Gospel is rich with grace and restoration. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, is now given three opportunities to reaffirm his love. Jesus does not scold Peter, but gently heals his wounds and entrusts him with leadership: “Feed my sheep.” Before that, Jesus reveals Himself through a miraculous catch and shares a meal — a Eucharistic gesture of communion and love. The Risen Lord meets us in our failures and renews our mission. Love for Jesus must be the foundation of our service to others.

 Central Message Connecting All Three Readings:

The Risen Christ reveals Himself anew to His disciples, calling them to be fearless witnesses, to worship Him as the Lamb of God, and to take up the mission of shepherding His people in love and service.

 Theological Summary: 

- Witness (Acts): We are not called to be silent Christians. The Holy Spirit gives us courage to proclaim Christ in a hostile world.

- Worship (Revelation): Christ the Lamb is glorified. Our lives must echo heaven’s praise.

- Shepherding Love (John): Like Peter, we are called to love Christ deeply and express that love through service, especially to the weak and lost.

 Mundane Questions and Catechetical Answers 

 1. Why were the apostles not afraid to disobey the high priest?

 Answer: Because they were filled with the Holy Spirit and had seen the Risen Christ. Their obedience to God took precedence over human authority, especially when such authority went against the truth of Christ.

 2. What does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb who was slain?

 Answer: In the Jewish Passover, a lamb was sacrificed to save God’s people. Jesus is the true Lamb — slain for our sins, yet risen and glorified. His sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation.

 3. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times, “Do you love me?” 

 Answer: To give Peter the chance to undo his three denials and to heal his guilt. Jesus’s questions were not a test, but a path to restoration. This shows Christ’s mercy and His desire for true love over perfection.

 4. What is the significance of Jesus cooking breakfast and feeding them?

 Answer: It shows the intimacy and gentleness of the Risen Lord. He provides both spiritual and physical nourishment. This meal reflects His desire to be close to His disciples and prefigures the Eucharist.

 5. How are we called to respond to these readings today? 

 Answer: By being bold in our faith (witness), committed to prayer and the Mass (worship), and loving in our care for others, especially those entrusted to us (shepherding).

 Concluding Exhortation: 

Dear Friends in Christ, the Resurrection is not just something we celebrate — it is something we must live. Let us imitate the apostles by speaking the truth in love, even when it costs us. Let us join the heavenly hosts in glorifying the Risen Lamb with our whole lives. Let us hear Jesus say to each of us, as He did to Peter: “Do you love Me?” If we do, then let us “feed His sheep” — beginning with our families, our parishes, and those in need.

 Christ is risen. Let us rise with Him — in courage, in worship, and in love. Jesus, risen Lamb of God, help me to witness to You, worship You, and serve You with all my heart. Amen.

Gloria Obasogie

REFLECTION 

Jesus seeks out His disciples as they return back to their ordinary everyday life and guides them towards a renewed sense of purpose. The big catch of fish shows how blessings come when we listen and follow Jesus. Peter, who had denied Jesus thrice before, affirmed three times that he loves Jesus. Jesus then gives him the job of caring for His people, showing that love is key to leading and serving others. Despite Peter's failings, Jesus forgives him and gives him an important role of shepherding God's people. The gospel also hints that following Jesus may lead to great sacrifice. In all, the gospel reminds us of grace, forgiveness, and serving with love.

REFLECTION 

As a sinner that I am, God has shown me mercy. For waking up every morning to thank God, I am proud to say I am a witness to these things.

We are reminded to bring the gospel everywhere we go, both in character and in the services we offer, especially to the children we raise.

We must obey the commands and words of GOD and reject the words of man, which is full of deceit /sweet lies to lead us to damnation because of their selfishness.

So, brothers and sisters, please let us be among the witnesses to continue spreading the Gospel of God through the help of the Holy Spirit so we may be counted among the worthy on the last day.

May GOD help us all amen 🙏🙏🙏

Chinwe Ann Uchechukwu 

REFLECTION 

In the Gospel reading, Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples, meaning He was present with them in their various situations. Today, we need to open our eyes, ears, and heart very wide to see, listen, and experience the risen Lord in in our various situations in life; Do we experience and acknowledge Him in our various achievements and success? Do we experience He is with us in our trials, pains and suffering?.

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loves Him and boom! Peter got angry and said 'you know everything, you know I love you'. Peter didn't remember that he denied Jesus three times and in order to affirm the three times denial Jesus keep asking him such question.

Today Jesus is asking me 'Chinwe do you love me?' Today Jesus is asking you 'do you love him?' What will be your answer?

In times of trials and temptation, in time of serious seeking for fruit of womb, seriously seeking for soul mate, seriously seeking for financial aid, in sickness, Jesus keep asking you irrespective of what you are going through do you love Him? What will be your reaction?

Eghe Okonofua

REFLECTION 

We must obey God rather than man

This is easy when you have nothing to lose.

You want a job and you can get it only through defiling your body - obey God.

You're the new govt appointee, you have the opportunity to receive a massive bribe and still do the Job - just obey God.

You're at the point of death, and the only thing that can save you is to commit an evil act - please obey God.

You love him or her, and they claim you need to commit fornication before the sacrament, wouldn't you obey God?

In all things, let your mantra be - I would obey God before I obey man.

But remember to pray constantly, because only the presence of the Holy spirit in you can make you bold enough to make such a choice when you have everything to lose.

Obey God through prayer rather than think of using your own will power.

In doing so, it may not end well but would you not rather obey God?

 We pray for divine strength to always say yes to God in any situation, through Christ our Lord. Amen