23. EASTER 3rd SUNDAY C
1st Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41
Responsorial Psalm: 30: 2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
2nd Reading: Revelations 5: 11-14
Gospel: John 21: 1-19
PEARL: DEFINING MOMENTS
Opening Reflection: Choices
We are curious people who, under the loose title of ‘research,’ will study anything. Our nation provides ‘research’ grants for almost anything from the mating habits of Aardvarks to the number of stripes on Zebras. One such study was done on the stress factors of ordering a dozen mixed donuts at a drive-up window. Without publicizing any company, you can use your imagination as to how this exercise would take place. So, picture this: you have an urge to buy a dozen donuts and, without a whole lot of planning, pull up to the drive-thru window. It suddenly hits you as to the relatively large number of choices at your disposal. As you are staring at the choices, a friendly voice says, “Welcome to ABC donut shop. May I help you?” Now the pressure is on. You must give an answer. Besides that, you look in your rear-view mirror, and cars are lined up behind you as far as you can see. As the stress level to perform builds, you make your choices, only to find after you get home that several donuts you received were either not the choice you made or the ones you would have preferred to have.
The researchers on this project concluded that the stress level of ordering a dozen donuts at a drive-up window did not fall into the top ten stressors but ranked high as everyday choices go.
Defining Moments:
Every day, we make hundreds of choices that vary in degree of importance. What to wear, what to eat, what to do when off from work or school, to help someone in need or ignore them, to keep silent or speak up. Order a dozen donuts, etc. Many of our decisions are made routinely, while others need to be weighed carefully because their importance can be life-altering. In today’s Gospel, Peter chooses to go fishing, but when Jesus called, he left the fish net behind, followed Him, and became Chief Apostle and Fisher of Men. Peter’s choice defined the priority and focus of his life from that moment forward.
As a resurrection people, we, like Peter, face defining moments that challenge our faith profession and call for radically different decisions. Jesus is the focal point of our worship and praise, the pivotal reason we decide rightly in matters of faith and morality, the motivating factor in developing committed relationships, and the cause for service over selfishness. The judgments we make reveal our strengths and weaknesses, define our fortitude when pressured to compromise Christ-taught principles and shine a light on the integrity of promises we make. The Christian life is filled with defining moments, but it is not the moment itself that defines us, but how we choose to live in it.
Obeying God:
In our first reading, Peter and the other apostles, having recently experienced the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, are compelled to boldly go out into the streets of Jerusalem and proclaim Jesus (whom their audience has handed over for crucifixion) as Lord and Messiah. It was a risky choice they made but the basis of what they were initially called to do by the Lord Himself. Perhaps to their surprise (and delight), their message, upbraided by signs and wonders including the healing of many who were sick or possessed and “large numbers” of people from the towns and vicinities around Jerusalem who took the message to heart and followed the “way” was well accepted. This stirred the wrath of the leaders of the Sanhedrin (Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes), who were worried that such excitement would disturb their Roman rulers. The Sanhedrin relied on a peaceful relationship with Rome in that if they kept their religion private and did not stir the people, they would be allowed to coexist with Rome. Since this was the second time (since Pentecost) such a “disturbance” occurred, they had the Apostles arrested and warned them to never speak about the name of Jesus again. Put on the spot, Peter and the Apostles had a choice to make. Peter and his companions could have begged for mercy or tacitly agreed to the court’s orders, although contrary to their beliefs. Instead, Peter boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men.”
When civil authority demands thought or behavior contrary to Christian conscience and gospel values, will you courageously and consistently disobey such demands? When hurt by betrayal or rejection, will you seek revenge, harbor bitterness, refuse to forgive, or act with God-like mercy? When faced with an opportunity to proclaim Jesus, will you hope someone else comes along to do it or eagerly speak of the reason for your faith? Have you responded to some of your defining moments with strong faith or fear and trembling?
Rescue:
David, the Psalmist, enjoyed God’s blessings and favor until his adulterous act with Bathsheba, followed by murder, nearly caused his downfall. As king, there was no earthly authority higher than his, so he had free rein to do anything he pleased. But in a defining moment, confronted by Samuel, the prophet of God, David chose to repent of his sins and seek God’s forgiveness (2 Samuel 12: 1-13). He writes in today’s Psalm, “You changed my mourning into dancing.”
The Psalm consists of four parts, each a lesson for our prayer life. First, David promises to praise the Lord for saving him from death. When you pray, as part of the petition, always add a word of thanks and praise for the answer God will provide – which will be for your greater good. Second, the Psalmist offers an invitation to all the faithful to add thanks and prayers to their petitions as well. Many people, especially those in our sphere of influence, would benefit from having someone guide them in their prayer lives. Be open to helping others pray to be more confident in their prayer life, especially those most dear to you. Third, pray specifically, giving the Lord a detailed account of the need you are praying for or the mercy you are asking for. God does not need you to pray specifically, but your faith will be greatly enhanced if you pray specifically. We tend to pray, “Help me, Lord!” It’s a safe, general petition. But being specific in detail about the need keeps you alert and looking for the answers you need, thereby building a closer connection with the Lord. Speaking your petition out loud resonates with your inner spirit, and being united with God’s Spirit within you will cause reflection on what you can do to better the situation. Fourth, acknowledge and give God the honor, glory, and thanksgiving for His answer to your petition—attributing credit to God rather than chance.
All of us fall short of living fully the abundant life offered by God, but through his death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to return to favor. Excuses and rationalizations rob us of receiving Jesus’ forgiveness and moving on with stronger faith and trust in God for our lives. Do not delay; surrender fully to the opportunity of the moment, and live life as one redeemed by the risen Christ. Then, perhaps, you can say, “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.”
Right Habits:
In our second reading from the Book of Revelation, John the Apostle stirs imaginations as he shares a vision of heavenly activity. Surrounding the throne of God are the redeemed, those who washed their robes clean in the blood of the lamb and persisted in faith to the end through trial and persecution. Our eternal destiny is decided at the time of our death, not in advance by a ten-minute profession of faith. These saints join a multitude of angels in a chorus of praise, worship, and thanksgiving to God and to the Lamb. Jesus worthily receives power, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing in keeping with the fullness of His divinity.
We, too, should, by deliberate choice, develop the habit of praise, worship, and thanksgiving. We need the practice here and now so we can fully join the Heavenly chorus there and then. Resurrection faith calls for resurrection joy – Alleluia, Jesus, my redeemer, lives!
3 + 3 = Zero Condemnation:
Soon after Peter was chosen as the rock on which to build Jesus’ Church, he three times denied the Lord during His crucial hour of persecution. Jesus predicted the denial when at the table with His disciples at the Last Supper (John 13: 36-38). The scene in today’s Gospel is the third time Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples after His resurrection. It finds the Apostles together, apparently waiting for additional instructions from the Lord. They knew they had a mission and were ready to receive it. We can easily get sidetracked from our mission as disciples of Jesus, and though it grieves Him, our Lord will allow us to do that. But the Lord eagerly stands by, waiting for our movement toward His will and His way – a choice we need to make every day.
I know of a priest who, in his early 60s and ordained more than 30 years, was asked the question, “Father, when did you decide to be a priest?” He replied, “Five minutes ago. I have to decide to be a priest every moment of my life.”
Notice in the Gospel that it is love, once again, that recognizes Jesus from a distance. John, who loved Jesus with all purity and tenderness of heart, said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” The deeper our genuine love for the Lord is, the more we will recognize Him not only in every person and every situation but also in thinking, speaking, and acting like Him as well.
Jesus three times asked Peter, “Do you Love me?” Peter’s defining response, “Lord, you know that I love you,” reverses his triple denial of the Lord during His passion.
Forgiven, burden-free, and trusting Jesus, Peter goes on to accomplish amazing things for the kingdom of God.
Closing Remarks:
Will you accept the Lord’s forgiveness and leave behind burdens that hinder your “yes”? What gift or talent do you have that the Lord could use? How has Jesus’ resurrection victory made a difference in your life?
What could you accomplish if you followed Peter’s example of trusting and loving Jesus?
Make it a habit to pray for opportunities to openly define your faith and give eager service to others in the Lord’s name.
As we continue with this Liturgy, we pray for the grace to recognize the defining moments of our life and yield to them for the glory of God.
