The Gospel for this Third Sunday of Easter is John 21:1-14 (15-19). The passage begins with the miraculous catch of fish. This miracle is meaningful in itself and recalls a similar catch near the beginning of Jesus' ministry (Luke 5). Both catches of fish show Jesus' lordship over nature, and both have implications for the disciples' vocation and mission. Yet, because of the Resurrection, there is even greater significance on this occasion recorded in John.
After Jesus' earthly ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, the risen Christ gives the apostolic group a new perspective. Besides reminding them of His dominion over nature, Jesus offers them a sign of reconciliation. That is, He offers table fellowship through a breakfast of bread and fish. After the meal, Jesus devotes special attention to Simon Peter. Of course, outspoken Peter had lost his nerve during Christ's Passion and denied the Lord three times. Thus, in John 21, our Lord asks if Peter loves Him three times and calls him to ministry three times. Through this event, Peter is re-established in his apostolic vocation and prepared for his future mission by the risen Christ.
So we see the Easter theme of the restoration of the Apostles. Despite their human failings, Peter and the others are reconciled, reminded of their previous calling, and prepared through Christ's final teaching and fellowship. They are called again to serve the risen Lord. Every Christian needs to hear this message from our risen Lord. We all have been poor followers of Christ in one or more ways, but He does not give up on us. He keeps calling us and restoring us. May the grace of the risen Christ renew our sense of vocation and mission during the Easter season!
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