Do You Love Me? — Rediscovering Mission After the Resurrection
Third Sunday of Easter (Lectionary: 48)
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 • Revelation 5:11-14 • John 21:1-19
The Third Sunday of Easter brings us face-to-face with the cost of discipleship—and the love that fuels it. In every reading, we witness transformation: from fear to boldness, from doubt to worship, from failure to mission.
In the first reading (Acts 5), the apostles stand before the Sanhedrin after being arrested for preaching the risen Christ. Their words cut through fear: “We must obey God rather than men.” They had seen the risen Jesus and could no longer remain silent. Their joy came not from ease or comfort, but from “being found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” This is Easter courage: born of resurrection, rooted in obedience.
In the second reading (Revelation 5), John gives us a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy. Every creature in the cosmos declares that “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Easter does not end with the empty tomb; it continues in the eternal praise of the Lamb who gave his life and now reigns forever. Worship, here, is not escape—it is participation in God’s victory.
Then, in John 21, we return to the shoreline of ordinary life. The disciples are fishing, confused and restless. Jesus meets them not with thunder or spectacle, but with breakfast. He meets them where they are—in failure and fatigue. Yet through the simple command to cast their nets again, they recognize him.
But the heart of this Gospel passage lies in the conversation between Jesus and Peter. Three times, Jesus asks: “Do you love me?” It is both a healing of Peter’s triple denial and a commissioning. Love for Christ is not sentiment—it is shepherding: “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.”
This is what Easter means. Not only joy, but responsibility. Not only resurrection, but restoration. Jesus does not shame Peter for his past. He calls him forward. “Follow me.”
Reflection Questions:
Where is Jesus meeting you in your daily routine?
How is he asking you to express your love in service?
Are you willing to be “found worthy to suffer” for his name?
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Did You Pray Today?
Daily prayer is a powerful way to strengthen your faith, find peace, and invite God’s presence into your life. Even a few moments of prayer can bring clarity, comfort, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are starting your day, taking a break, or preparing for sleep, these short yet meaningful prayers help you stay connected to God.
Take a moment now to pray:
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
A Daily Habit of Prayer: These prayers take less than a minute, yet they bring us closer to God each day. Keep prayer at the center of your life and experience His love and guidance.
Walking in Faith, Growing in Grace
Every day is an opportunity to draw closer to God. In prayer, in scripture, and in the moments of stillness, He speaks to our hearts. Faith is not just about knowing—it’s about living, trusting, and walking in His light.
Through life’s joys and challenges, we are called to remain steadfast, to seek Him in all things, and to reflect His love in our words and actions. Even the smallest acts of faith— a whispered prayer, a kind word, a moment of gratitude— bring us deeper into His presence.
May this space be a source of encouragement, reflection, and renewal for you. Wherever you are on your journey, know that God is with you. Keep the faith, stay rooted in prayer, and continue seeking His truth.