Easter Friday
Acts 4:1-12
Psalm 117(118):1-2,4,22-27
John 21:1-14
Peter and John had heard Christ's teaching, witnessed His miracles, watched as He was nailed to the Cross, and celebrated triumph three days later when He rose from the dead! They knew Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, holding the words of eternal life, light, truth, and love. Their faith propelled them to proclaim the good news boldly and passionately. When Peter and John healed a paralyzed man in Jesus' name, the Jewish leaders grew alarmed at the rapid growth of their followers. They arrested the apostles and brought them before the Sanhedrin—the very court that condemned Jesus. But Peter could not hold back! He boldly declared, "Let it be known to all of you and to the entire Israel—by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—Whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—this man stands before you healthy! Jesus is the rejected stone that has become the Cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved!" Peter’s declaration was clear: salvation is only through Christ, whose sacrifice paid for all sins. How blessed are we, rescued from mankind’s impossible quest to save himself? By God’s grace, we have been given the gift of salvation, simply by believing in Jesus’ name. Let’s rejoice in that divine gift and stand firm against worldly deception, fleshly lusts, and the enemy’s wiles!
There’s a song that says we'll know Christians by their love. Today’s gospel reminds us that Jesus is known by His abundance—by piles of fish, a marvelous breakfast already prepared, an everlasting Last Supper, gallons of wine, and baskets upon baskets of bread. The disciples fished all night at the Sea of Tiberias, catching nothing—unaware that Jesus was present! He instructed them to cast their nets again, and the catch was miraculous—153 fish, enough to fill their nets to bursting! In the chaos of the catch, John exclaimed, "It is the Lord!" His love for Jesus was so fierce that he saw beyond the distraction. Without hesitation, Peter, ignited with faith, plunged into the water and raced to shore—nothing could stop him from reaching Jesus! What incredible faith! John’s love and Peter’s boldness show us what true devotion looks like. Peter declared, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!"
Love has that power! When we're in love, we keep searching for the one who holds our heart—seeing them in the distance, walking toward us, filling us with joy! This love for Jesus is beautifully expressed in the Song of Songs: "The sound of my lover! Here he comes, springing across the mountains, leaping over the hills!" Her heart is stirred just by His approach. St. Josemaria Escriva once said, "With a love like John's and a faith like Peter's, what is there to stop us!" Following Christ is an exciting adventure, trusting that the Holy Spirit will reveal His abundance all around us. So let's go fishing! There’s plenty to catch—blessings, joy, and fellowship with Jesus. And yes, Jesus Christ is risen-Alleluia and glory to His name!
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