Third Sunday of Easter
Also Read: Mass Readings for 04 May 2025 Sunday Reflection by Mike – 04 May 2025
“We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!”
First Reading: Acts 5: 27-32, 40b-41
The Sanhedrin
Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings! (29)
St. Peter our first Pope speaks to the Sanhedrin with such boldness and clarity. Today, in our daily lives we might be called to witness by our actions and words! We may not face a Sanhedrin, but we do face minion versions of the same! There could be a spiritual battle going on, and often it is our thoughts that get attacked with negativity. Sometimes, it could be the words of those around us that sting us but as St. Peter points out here, we must not listen to those words; mostly they are not true!
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’ (32)
The Holy Spirit can only instruct the hearts that are open to him in humbleness! The more we obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, the more we will be able to hear him guide us in the path of righteousness!
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (41)
The apostles being the very first witnesses of the faith display remarkable courage and while being scourged find it their privilege! We can marvel about their faith but we also need to bear witness in our lives in the daily struggles we may face! Even in difficult situations we are called to remain peaceful because we trust in the Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 30: 2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (11-12)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14
The Angelic Guard!
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (11)
The angelic hosts in heaven before God are uncountable! The angels also guard and protect us in many ways today! Let us maintain a special devotion to our own Guardian Angel too!
Amen!
Gospel: John 21: 1-19
Peter Reinstated!
When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. (9)
In asking Peter three times, Christ Jesus reinstates him as the head of his church; undoing his denial! But another detail is given, which says as they landed, they already found a charcoal burning, fish on it, and bread! Where did this meal come from? Christ Jesus had already provided a meal for them – Just like our eternal banquet with the Lord!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
