My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today on this Third Sunday of Easter, our hearts still resonating with the joy of the Lord’s victory over death. The readings we have heard speak of a Church that is alive, a Church that is called to obedience to God, a Church that is sustained by the Risen Lord, and a Church that is commissioned to love and serve.
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the early Church facing persecution. The apostles are brought before the Sanhedrin and ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. But Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declares, "We must obey God rather than men." This is a powerful reminder for us today. In a world that often challenges our faith and seeks to silence the voice of the Gospel, we are called to stand firm in our conviction and to prioritize obedience to God above all else. The apostles, rejoicing in their suffering, show us that following Christ will not always be easy, but it is always worthwhile.
The second reading from the Book of Revelation gives us a glimpse into the heavenly liturgy. We see countless angels and every creature in the universe crying out in praise to the Lamb who was slain. This vision reminds us of the ultimate victory of Christ. He is worthy to receive all power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and blessing. This passage lifts our gaze from the struggles of this earthly life to the eternal reality of God's reign. It assures us that Christ is in control, and that one day, all creation will acknowledge his sovereignty.
And then we come to the Gospel of John, a beautiful and poignant account of the Risen Jesus appearing to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. They had spent the night fishing and caught nothing. This is a familiar experience for us, isn't it? Times when we feel our efforts are futile, when we are weary and discouraged. But then Jesus appears on the shore, unrecognized at first, and tells them to cast their net on the right side. The result is an overwhelming catch of fish. This miracle is a sign of God's abundant grace and his power to bless our endeavors when we follow his direction.
It is in this setting that Jesus has a profound conversation with Simon Peter. Three times, Jesus asks Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" And three times, Peter affirms his love. This triple affirmation is a powerful moment of reconciliation and recommissioning. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, is now given the opportunity to publicly declare his love and to be entrusted with the care of Christ's flock. "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," "Feed my sheep." This is the call to leadership, a call to love and serve the people of God. Jesus' final words to Peter, "Follow me," are a call to discipleship, even to the point of suffering and death.
My dear friends, as we reflect on these readings, our minds are also drawn to the significant moment that the Catholic Church and indeed the world is anticipating: the coming conclave. The cardinals, gathered in Rome, are preparing to choose the next successor of St. Peter, the one who will be called to "feed Christ's lambs" and "tend his sheep" on a global scale.
Just as Jesus appeared to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias and recommissioned Peter, so too does the Risen Lord continue to guide and sustain his Church. Through the process of the conclave, we trust that Christ is at work, raising up the next shepherd for his people. Let us continue to live out our faith with courage, obedience to God, and unwavering love for Christ and his Church. And let us pray for the coming conclave, that it may be a moment of grace and a sign of hope for the world. May the Risen Lord bless us and guide us always.
Amen.
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