May 1, 2022 Third Sunday of Easter Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Rev 5:11-14 Jn 21:1-19 or 21:1-14
GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE GROW: The accounts of Jesus’ appearances to the disciples after his resurrection often puzzle me, and today’s reading is no exception. There stands Jesus, within sight, yet the Apostles “did not realize that it was Jesus.” Hello?! I know we’re in the midst of a daylight saving time debate, but I’m fairly sure “dawn” meant the sun was up. Yet as soon as Jesus speaks and they follow his instructions, they realize he is their Lord. Simon Peter wastes no time; he dives into the sea and makes for the shore. Peter and the disciples show us that while it is important to recognize Jesus, it’s what we do next that matters. As we learn in Acts, they boldly say his name despite the Sanhedrin’s warning, and most will go on to be martyred for the Church. Thanks to them, we recognize Jesus – in the Eucharist, in Scripture, and in Tradition, and on the crucifixes in our homes and churches. Peter challenges us to “dive in,” moving from faith to action. The specifics will differ for each of us, but we can study the lives of the Apostles and the saints to find inspiration. GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT GO: Is it a Catholic thing or the fact that I’m a closet introvert? I sometimes struggle with talking about Jesus. Which is why today’s reading from Acts challenges me. The Sanhedrin had warned the Apostles not to even speak Jesus’ name. Yet they don’t cower in fear or simply go back to the relatively quiet lives they led before they met Jesus. They rejoice to be found worthy “to suffer dishonor for the sake of [Jesus’] name.” Their commitment challenges us to be bold – not only with our words but with our actions as well. In the same way that teaching another person math or spelling helps us learn, witnessing to our faith by sharing it with others helps us deepen our faith and answer God’s call to be his disciple, striving to build his kingdom on earth. STUDY: This week, look up the feast days and read about the saint of the day. What can we learn from their example?