As we continue our journey through the Easter season, the readings offer us profound insights into the nature of faith, the power of the resurrection, and the ongoing mission of the Church. They speak to the heart of our human experience, addressing our doubts, fears, and hopes, and reminding us of the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.
Confronted for Healing
In the first reading from Acts 4:1-12, we witness Peter and John facing opposition from religious authorities after healing a crippled man. This passage highlights a recurring theme: the world often resists those who act in accordance with divine will. The authorities, disturbed by the apostles' teachings and the proclamation of Jesus' resurrection, question their authority and power. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaims that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ, whom they crucified but God raised from the dead.
This scene resonates deeply with the challenges we face today. Often, when we stand up for what is right, when we act with compassion and justice, we encounter resistance. It reminds us that true faith requires courage and a willingness to speak truth to power, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. The apostles' unwavering commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution, serves as an example for us to emulate. We are called to be a voice for the voiceless, to challenge injustice, and to act as instruments of healing and reconciliation in a world that desperately needs it.
The Rejected Cornerstone
Peter's declaration that Jesus is "the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4:11) is a powerful image. It speaks to the paradoxical nature of God's plan. What the world deems insignificant or rejects, God chooses to elevate and use for his purposes. This resonates with the teachings that emphasize God's preferential option for the poor and marginalized. Those whom society overlooks or despises are often the very ones through whom God's grace shines most brightly.
The responsorial psalm (Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-24, 25-27a) reinforces this theme, celebrating God's enduring mercy and the transformative power of the resurrection. It invites us to rejoice in the day the Lord has made and to recognize God's hand in the unexpected and the seemingly impossible. This psalm reminds us that even in our moments of doubt and despair, God is at work, turning rejection into triumph and darkness into light.
Encountering the Risen Christ
The Gospel reading from John 21:1-14 recounts Jesus' appearance to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. After a night of fruitless fishing, Jesus instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, and they are overwhelmed with a miraculous catch. This encounter reveals the resurrected Christ in a new and intimate way. The disciples, initially unable to recognize him, come to understand that it is the Lord through the miraculous catch and the shared meal.
This passage speaks to the importance of recognizing Christ in our daily lives. Like the disciples, we may sometimes struggle to see him amidst our own struggles and disappointments. We may toil and labor without apparent success, feeling lost and discouraged. However, Jesus is always present, offering guidance and sustenance. We must learn to listen to his voice, to trust in his direction, and to recognize him in the ordinary moments of our lives. The shared meal on the shore symbolizes the Eucharist, the sacrament that nourishes us and strengthens our communion with Christ and with one another.
The detail of the unbroken net, despite the immense catch of 153 fish, is also significant. Some interpret this as a symbol of the Church's universality, encompassing people from all nations and backgrounds. It reminds us that the Church is called to be a net that gathers all people into the embrace of God's love, without tearing or division.
A Call to Action
These readings challenge us to live out our faith with courage, compassion, and conviction. We are called to stand up for what is right, to care for the marginalized, and to recognize Christ in our daily lives. As we continue our Easter journey, let us be inspired by the example of the apostles, who faced opposition with unwavering faith and transformed the world through the power of the resurrection. Let us be open to encountering the risen Christ in new and unexpected ways, and let us strive to be instruments of his love and healing in a world that desperately needs it.