READ
First reading: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41
Second reading: Rev 5:11-14
Gospel: Jn 21:1-19 or 21:1-14
UNDERSTAND | By Father Greg Friedman, OFM
Sharing a meal does more than just nourish our bodies. It helps to forge relationships and create intimacy. And so we take care to make the meals we share with families and friends special—with good food, atmosphere and conversation.
It’s no wonder then that today’s Gospel—like some of the other Easter stories—shows the Risen Lord and his friends sharing a meal. These accounts remind us of the Church’s celebration of the Eucharist with good reason. Christians down through the ages have come to recognize the risen Christ in their midst as the Scriptures are proclaimed and the Eucharistic meal is shared. What we are celebrating in this Easter Season—the Paschal sacrifice of Christ, his dying and rising—is present to us in each Mass with its saving power.
Do we take the Sunday Mass for granted? At our Eucharistic gatherings this weekend, let’s allow this Easter story to re-charge our celebration. Imagine the thrill of encountering Jesus in a new way, marveling at the wondrous things he can do in our sight, gratefully accepting the forgiveness we need.
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DISCUSS | By Father Dan Kroger, OFM
In the first reading, what accusation does the high priest make about the Apostles and their preaching?
Who is speaking or narrating in this scene from this week’s second reading?
According to the Gospel, who says he wants to go fishing? Who joins him?
Did Jesus give them any suggestion as to where to catch a lot of fish?
ACT | By Susan Hines-Brigger
Make a treat that captures the spirit of this week’s Gospel. Prepare some blue gelatin and pour it into a glass bowl. Before the gelatin sets, drop in some candy fish.
