Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Third Sunday of Easter – May 5, 2019.

Readings: Acts 5:27-32,40-41; Ps 29:2,4-6,11-13;

 Rev. 5:11-14 & Gospel – John 21:1-19.

Theme: Obedience to God before Man!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as an Post-Easter people, today’s liturgy draws our attention to being witnesses of the resurrection through total obedience to God. In this reflection titled “Obedience to God before Man,” we are charged to consider our general outlook about religion by setting our priorities right in following God first. We are called to abhor the tendency which makes many people to worship other human beings in place of God. As such, in this reflection, we shall consider the background and summary of the readings, practical lessons and homiletic quotes to remember.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 5:27-32,40-41) recounts how the High Priest demanded an explanation of the apostles about saturating Jerusalem with their preaching and putting the guilt of Jesus’ death on them. It also notes that they gave them a formal warning not preach in the name of Christ. Responding, Peter and the apostles defied time and circumstances to categorically state that: “Obedience to God comes first before obedience to man.” They further reiterated that it was the God of their ancestors that raised Jesus up and it was the Jews that hanged him on a tree.   

They were glad to state that God raised him and put him at his right side as a leader and savior to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. Without mincing words, they insisted “we are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” At that, the authorities warned the apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so, they left the Sanhedrin happy to have suffered humiliation for the sake of Christ.

In the second reading (Rev. 5:11-14) St. John sees the vision of numberless angels shouting: “The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing.” Then he heard the voice of all living things crying: “To the One who is sitting on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour, glory and power, forever and ever.” While four animals said, “Amen,” the elders prostrated themselves to worship God.   

The gospel (John 21:1-19) tells the story of the appearance of Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias. It narrates how Thomas, Nathanael, James and John and two other apostles were together and Peter said, “I am going fishing” and they went with but caught nothing that night. It further reveals that in the morning, Jesus came and asked if they had caught anything. Although they did not recognize him, they said, “No.” He then ordered them to throw their net to the starboard. They did and had a great catch.