Restored to Lead: Peter and the Power of Grace

03rd Sunday of Easter: May 04, 2025

Readings: Acts 5:27–32, 40–41; Psalm 30:2, 4–6, 11–13; Revelation 5:11–14; John 21:1–19

 To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:  https://youtu.be/wCXYbRk1pVc

There is always a tussle between good and bad in our lives. It is a challenge of human weakness and divine grace. Our human nature is tossed by different pulls and powers. Ultimately, God is the referee. He knows the best in us. He delivers what is good for us. From a quick reactionary temperament of Peter, he turns out to be a leader of the rest of the group. The blessings of Jesus continue to empower him as a strong leader in the early church. However, the encounter of Peter with the Risen Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias defines the future of the Church.  Such encounters in our lives, too, turn out to be moments of emptiness to moments of grace. In fact, the Risen Christ calls us by name, feeds us, forgives us, and sends us forth.

1. From Failure to Fulfillment

Today’s Gospel, taken from John 21, is one of the most tender and transformative resurrection appearances of Jesus. It is a story not just of a miraculous catch of fish, but of healing, restoration, and a renewed call to discipleship. The disciples, led by Peter, have returned to what they know best—fishing after the death of Jesus on Calvary. But they catch nothing all night. This echoes the futility we often experience when we try to move ahead with our lives without the guidance of the Lord. We strive, we labour, we try to manage things on our own—and we come up empty.

Our God is a God of surprises. But then comes the turning point: a voice from the shore, a gentle question—“Children, have you caught anything?” (v. 5). It is the risen Christ, though they do not yet recognize Him. He tells them to cast the net on the right side—and the result is astonishing: 153 large fish, yet the net is not torn. This moment teaches us that obedience to Christ always brings abundance, not necessarily in material wealth, but in peace, fruitfulness, and purpose. When Jesus is at the center, our empty nets are filled.

2. Recognition through Relationship

It is the beloved disciple—the one who reclined close to Jesus at the Last Supper—who recognizes Him first: “It is the Lord!” (v. 7). This recognition is not just a matter of eyesight but of heart-sight. Those who stay close to Jesus, who remain in intimate friendship with Him, are able to recognize His presence even in the ordinary, like someone standing on the shore. A true friend of Jesus stands by the Cross of our Lord. John does this.

Peter, impulsive and passionate as ever, jumps into the water. He cannot wait. Despite his past failure, despite denying Jesus three times, he knows Jesus’ heart and trusts His mercy. That’s the beauty of love—it gives us the courage to swim back to Christ, even when we have fallen. In Christ, he finds true strength.

3. Following the Risen Christ

On the shore, Jesus has prepared a charcoal fire—a detail that mirrors the charcoal fire in the courtyard where Peter denied Him just a few days ago. Now, around another fire, Jesus gently leads Peter to healing. Three times He asks, “Do you love me?”—not to shame Peter, but to restore him. Perhaps, this is divine therapy. Jesus doesn't say, "Why did you deny me?" Instead, He asks, “Do you love me?” That’s all He wants—our love. When Peter affirms his love, Jesus entrusts him with a mission: “Feed my sheep.”

Even our failures, when redeemed by Christ, become the foundation for mission. Peter, once broken by fear, is now re-commissioned as a shepherd. He is not defined by his worst moment, but by Christ’s love and call. The Gospel ends with Jesus saying to Peter, “Follow me.” It’s a return to the very first call in Galilee—but now spoken with deeper meaning. After the resurrection, following Jesus means carrying the cross, loving the flock, and laying down one's life. But it also means walking with the One who conquered death and who walks with us always.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Am I relying on my own strength instead of seeking Jesus’ guidance in my daily efforts—at work, in relationships, in decision-making?
2. Am I paying attention to the quiet ways Jesus makes Himself present to me—in people, Scripture, moments of grace, or even in failure?
3. How am I caring for the people God has placed in my life—my family, community, colleagues, the poor, the forgotten?

Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus, You have overcome the power of death and filled the world with light and hope. In Your resurrection, You offer us the gift of new life—a life not bound by fear or failure, but filled with promise and joy. As we continue to walk in the spirit of Easter, lift our hearts whenever we grow weary, remind us that Your victory is our strength, and help us live each day with the confidence that You are always with us. Let Your risen life shine through us, bringing hope to others and glory to Your name. We make this prayer in Jesus' holy name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

May 03, 2025