Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJFrom Failure to PurposeReflection Date: May 04, 2025 Third Sunday of EasterDaily Readings: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
The apostles’ defiance of the Sanhedrin’s orders underscores the central theme of discipleship. This conflict arose when the apostles continued preaching about the resurrection of Jesus despite explicit bans. They had to face the consequences—torture, warnings, and dishonor. Yet, "they...
Author: Fr. Ignatius Britto, SJ
From Failure to Purpose
Reflection Date: May 04, 2025 Third Sunday of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
The apostles’ defiance of the Sanhedrin’s orders underscores the central theme of discipleship. This conflict arose when the apostles continued preaching about the resurrection of Jesus despite explicit bans. They had to face the consequences—torture, warnings, and dishonor. Yet, "they left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name of Jesus" (Acts 5:41). What gave them this courage? It was the Spirit of Jesus and their love for him.
Does this not reflect the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12)?
Courage, powered by the Holy Spirit, comes not from rebellion but from conviction. Towards the end of today’s Gospel passage, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. After Peter answers in the affirmative three times, Jesus closes the conversation with: "Follow me" (John 21:19).
It required courage and love to follow Jesus. Yes, you need courage to offer your life. Remember, courage is closely linked with love. That is why the threefold question of Jesus to Peter, "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17), shakes him and transforms him from shame into purpose.
Jesus does not dwell on Peter’s failure but reorients him towards service, a service that is rooted in love.
It reassures us that Jesus meets us in our failures, transforms our brokenness into opportunities for service, and calls us to follow him with humility and courage. Amidst the noise and chaos of the world, the second reading from the Book of Revelation invites us to total surrender to the Lamb who triumphed through sacrifice. Christ meets us in our weakness, feeds us, forgives us, and calls us to follow him with renewed hearts.
Call to Action for Catholic Living:
- Recognize the Risen Lord in your life, filled with the courage that arises from his presence.
- Realize your intense love for Jesus — a love that cares and dares to take risks.
- Reclaim your freedom to live a courageous life to its fullness.
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