Sunday May 4th: A Blessed Assurance

“When it was light, there stood Jesus on the shore” …

John 21: 1-19

Today as we celebrate the third Sunday of Easter, our Gospel offers us a blessed assurance during our current journey as church.

Jesus’ post resurrection appearance to the apostles and his interaction with them at a time when they were ‘at sea,’ no pun intended, suggests that his care for their wellbeing extended beyond the time he spent with them, physically.

His instruction to them to throw their net out to starboard ensured a good catch of 153 and is an indication that he would provide for us what we need as church. The meal prepared and shared is a sign of his sustaining presence. And Peter’s threefold declaration of love followed by the invitation to feed lamb and sheep suggests a binding relationship.

During this sede vacante period let us pray with all the faithful. Lord Jesus, we thank you for the ministry of Pope Francis. Grant in your boundless love for us, a new Pope who will please you by his holiness and lead us faithfully to you, who are the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Amen