3rd Sunday of Easter #threeTreasures | John 21:1-19 |May 4 #reflection given by Fr. Almas John

#3 Treasures | Jn 21:1-19 | 3rd Sunday of Easter | May 4 | The 3rd Sunday of Easter is the third Sunday after Easter Sunday in the liturgical calendar of many Christian traditions, particularly in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches. In 2025: Easter Sunday is on April 20, 2025 So, the 3rd Sunday of Easter falls on May 4, 2025 Liturgical Themes: The readings and prayers of this Sunday continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, with a focus on how the risen Christ reveals Himself to His disciples. Common themes include: Recognition of Jesus in the breaking of the bread (as in the Road to Emmaus story) The apostles’ growing understanding of the Resurrection Witnessing to the Resurrection with boldness John 21:1–19 (ESV) Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples 1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. Jesus and Peter 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” "Total surrender to Jesus" refers to fully yielding one's life, will, and desires to Jesus Christ, trusting Him completely and allowing Him to lead every aspect of life. It's a deep commitment that involves: Letting go of control and trusting in God's plan. Daily obedience to His Word and guidance. Repentance and humility, acknowledging our need for His grace. Living by faith, even when circumstances are difficult or unclear. Loving and serving others, reflecting Christ’s love. Many Christians express this surrender in prayer, worship, lifestyle changes, and prioritizing God's will over personal ambition. Yes, Jesus did ask Peter "Do you love me?"—in fact, He asked him three times. This exchange is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 21, verses 15–17. Here's the passage: John 21:15–17 (NIV): When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”