THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER - MAY 1, 2022

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

The Church Triumphant, established at the Resurrection, is fully expressed in the communion of saints participating in the Beatific Vision in Heaven. However, the foundation of the Church can still be found on earth, and we are still structured in the way Jesus left it - with Peter as Christ’s successor and our head, and with the community of believers following his lead.

READ THIS SUNDAY'S MESSAGE

Today’s Gospel is one of the last stories of Christ’s time on earth before his ascension, but it is also one of the most important. Jesus left the Church on earth in the hands of the Apostles, specifically under the leadership of Peter, and this is the moment when that is clearly laid out. Peter decides to go fishing, and the others follow him. When they realize that the risen Christ is at the shore, Peter leaps into the water to chase after him. After this, Jesus presents to the Apostles a breakfast of fish and bread, but the breakfast is focused on Peter. It’s cooked on a charcoal fire, the same type of fire where Peter warmed himself when he denied Christ. Jesus is offering Peter a chance to undo his denial and to accept the role Christ has bestowed upon him. When Peter denied Christ, he couldn’t even bare the slight discomfort of cold hands while his master was being tortured. At this moment, Christ speaks to the Church through Peter. Being part of the Church will bring discomfort, pain, and persecution. But if we fight for our faith and willingly take up the cross that is presented to us in this life as Catholics, we will follow Peter and his successors who ultimately followed the path of Christ: to suffer now for the Church will enable us to fully participate in the Church Triumphant.

FAMILIES, ACTIVATE!

Family activity to do at home: The Church can only exist through the leadership and the guidance of the vicar of Christ. During his time on earth, Christ provided a perfect model for servant leadership. He trusted that Peter would continue in his place as the head of the Church after his ascension to Heaven, and the successors of Peter for the past two thousand years have been entrusted with this grave responsibility. We must pray fervently and often for Pope Francis, the successor of Saint Peter and the vicar of Christ, so that he can be guided by the Holy Spirit in his leadership over the Mystical Body of Christ. Pray this prayer for the Holy Father everyday with your family and keep him in your prayer intentions