First reading: Acts 5:27–32,40b–41

When the captain and the court officers had brought the apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name? Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.

Second reading: Rev. 5:11–14

I, John, looked and heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders. They were countless in number, and they cried out in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: “To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” The four living creatures answered, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Gospel: Jn. 21:1–14

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way.

Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.

So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish.

When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

In other words

by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD (St. Joseph Parish, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro)

During one of my house blessings, a man approached me and asked if I remembered him. Hardly could I recognize him until he told me that I ministered to him the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick when he was suffering from the effects of a stroke. How could I remember when, externally, I could not see any sign of the illness as he was walking and moving normally?

Countless times, as pastors, we encounter people who come back to us to thank us for prayers we promised to them. Cure from illnesses, prayers granted, overcoming different kinds of difficulties… these, usually, are the reasons for expressions of gratitude for answered prayers after experiences of helplessness and despair.

In our Gospel today, we encounter a striking story about the miraculous catch of fish by the apostles. It looks like a simple incident but has much to do with our lives. Throughout the night, these simple men were struggling to catch fish. Tired and disheartened, they allowed their hearts to be consumed with doubt and uncertainty. However, when Jesus appeared and ordered them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat, their fate changed radically. Their net became so full that they were amazed by the abundance of their catch.

This experience of the apostles reflects our own experiences. We often tirelessly pursue success, love, or happiness, only to discover repeatedly that our efforts are not enough. We become discouraged, question our abilities, and lose faith in our own purpose.

The Gospel reminds us that true richness and abundance lie in submitting to God’s will and guidance.