3rd Sunday of Easter - Cycle C

1st Reading: Acts 5:27b-32, 40b-41

The Apostles Before the Sanhedrin
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[27] And when they (the captain and the officers) brought them (the Apostles),
they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, [28] sa-
ying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this Name, yet here you have filled
Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this Man's blood upon us."
[29] But Peter and the Apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.
[30] The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging Him on a
tree. [31] God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repen-
tance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [32] And we are witnesses to these things,
and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."

The Apostles Are Flogged
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[40b] (The Sanhedrin) charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let
them go. [41] Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were
counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

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Commentary:

29. The Apostles' failure to obey the Sanhedrin is obviously not due to pride or
to their not knowing their place (as citizens they are subject to the Sanhedrin's
authority); the Sanhedrin is imposing a ruling which would have them go against
God's law and their own conscience.

The Apostles humbly and boldly remind their judges that obedience to God
comes first. They know that many members of the Sanhedrin are religious men,
good Jews who can understand their message; they try not so much to justify
themselves as to get the Sanhedrin to react: they are more concerned about
their judges' spiritual health than about their own safety. St. John Chrysostom
comments: "God allowed the Apostles to be brought to trial so that their adver-
saries might be instructed, if they so desired. [...] The Apostles are not irritated
by the judges; they plead with them compassionately, with tears in their eyes,
and their only aim is to free them from error and from divine wrath" ("Hom. on
Acts", 13). They are convinced that "those who fear God are in no danger, only
those who do not fear Him" ("ibid.") and that it is worse to commit injustice than
to suffer it. We can see from the Apostles' behavior how deep their convictions
run; grace and faith in Jesus Christ have given them high regard for the honor of
God. They have begun at last to love and serve God without counting the cost.
This is true of Christian maturity. "In that cry "serviam"! [I will serve!] you ex-
press your determination to 'serve' the Church of God most faithfully, even at
the cost of fortune, of reputation and of life" (St. J. Escriva, "The Way", 519).

The Church often prays to God to give its children this resilience: they need it
because there is always the danger of growing indifferent and of abandoning the
faith to some extent. "Lord, fill us with that spirit of courage which gave your mar-
tyr Sebastian," his feast's liturgy says, "strength to offer his life in faithful witness.
Help us to learn from him to cherish your law and to obey you rather than men"
("Roman Missal").

A Christian should conform his behavior to God's law: that law should be his very
life. He should obey and love God's commandments as taught by the Church, if
he wishes to live a truly human life. The law of God is not something burdensome:
it is a way of freedom, as Sacred Scripture is at pains to point out: "The Lord is
my portion, I promise to keep Thy words. I entreat Thy favor with all my heart; be
gracious to me according to Thy promise. When I think of Thy ways, I turn my
feet to Thy testimonies; I hasten and do not delay to keep Thy commandments.
Though the cord of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget Thy law. At midnight
I rise to praise Thee, because of Thy righteous ordinances. I am a companion
of all who fear Thee, of those who keep Thy precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full
of Thy steadfast love; teach me Thy statutes" (Psalm 119:57-64).

Conscience, which teaches man in the depths of his heart, gradually shows him
what the law of God involves: "Man has in his heart a law inscribed by God. His
dignity lies in observing this law, and by it he will be judged (cf. Romans 2:15-16).
His conscience is man's most secret core, and his sanctuary. There he is alone
with God, whose voice echoes in his depths. By conscience, in a wonderful way,
that law is made known. [...] The more a correct conscience prevails, the more
do persons and groups turn aside from blind choice and try to be guided by the
objective standards of moral conduct" (Vatican II, "Gaudium Et Spes", 16).

Good and evil are facts of life. A person can identify them. There are such things
as good actions--and there are evil actions, which should always be avoided. The
goodness or badness of human actions is not essentially dependent on the cir-
cumstances, although sometimes these can affect it to some extent.

Like the eye, conscience is designed to enable a person to see, but it needs
light from outside (God's law and the Church's guidance) to discover religious
and moral truths and properly appreciate them. Without that help man simply
tires himself out in his search; he seeks only himself and forgets about good
and evil, and his conscience becomes darkened by sin and moral opportunism.

"With respect to conscience," [Pope] Paul VI teaches, "an objection can arise:
Is conscience not enough on its own as the norm of our conduct? Do the Deca-
logues, the codes, imposed on us from outside, not undermine conscience [...]?
This is a delicate and very current problem. Here all we will say is that subjective
conscience is the first and immediate norm of our conduct, but is needs light, it
needs to see which standard it should follow, especially when the action in ques-
tion does not evidence its own moral exigencies. Conscience needs to be instruc-
ted and trained about what is the best choice to make, by the authority of a law"
("General Audience", 28 March 1973).

A right conscience, which always goes hand in hand with moral prudence, will
help a Christian to obey the law like a good citizen and also to take a stand, per-
sonally or in association with others, against any unjust laws which may be pro-
posed or enacted. The State is not almighty in the sphere of law. It may not or-
der or permit anything it likes; therefore not everything legal is morally lawful or
just. Respect due to civil authority--which is part of the Gospel message and has
always been taught by the Church--should not prevent Christians and people of
good will from opposing legislators and rulers when they legislate and govern in
a way that is contrary to the law of God and therefore to the common good. Ob-
viously, this legitimate kind of resistance to authority should always involve the
use of lawful methods.

It is not enough for good Christians to profess privately the teaching of the Gos-
pel and the Church regarding human life, the family, education, freedom, etc.
They should realize that these are subjects of crucial importance for the welfare
of their country, and they should strive, using all the usual means at their dispo-
sal, to see that the laws of the State are supportive of the common good. Pas-
sivity towards ideologies and stances that run counter to Christian values is
quite deplorable.

30. "Hanging Him on a tree": this is reminiscent of Deuteronomy 21:23: if a cri-
minal is put to death "and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all
night upon a tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is ac-
cursed by God." This is a reference to crucifixion, a form of capital punishment
which originated in Persia; it was common throughout the East and was later
adopted by the Romans.

32. God sends the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him, and, in turn, the Apostles
obey the indications of the Spirit with complete docility.

If we are to obey the Holy Spirit and do what He asks us, we need to cultivate
Him and listen to what He says. "Get to know the Holy Spirit, the Great Stran-
ger, on whom depends your sanctification.

"Don't forget that you are God's temple. The Advocate is in the center of your
soul; listen to Him and be docile to His inspirations" (St. J. Escriva, "The Way",
57).

40-41. Most members of the Sanhedrin are unimpressed by Gamaliel's argu-
ments; they simply decide to go as far as they safely can: they do not dare to
condemn the Apostles to death; but, in their stubborn opposition to the Gospel
message, they decree that they by put under the lash in the hope that this will
keep them quiet. However, it has just the opposite effect.

"It is true that Jeremiah was scourged for the word of God, and the Elijah and
other prophets were also threatened, but in this case the Apostles, as they did
earlier by their miracles, showed forth the power of God. He does not say that
they did not suffer, but that they rejoiced over having to suffer. This we can see
from the boldness afterwards: immediately after being beaten they went back to
preaching" (Chrysostom, "Hom. on Acts", 14).

The Apostles must have remembered our Lord's words, "Blessed are you when
men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely
on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for so men persecuted the prophets who
were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).

2nd Reading: Revelation 5:11-14

The Sealed Scroll and the Lamb
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[11] Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the
elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands
of thousands, [12] saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and bles-
sing!" [13] And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth
and in the sea, and all therein, saying, "To him who sits upon the throne and to
the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might for ever and ever!" [14] And
the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshipped.

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Commentary:

11-14. The host of angels around the throne act as a kind of guard of honor pro-
claiming the sublime perfection of Christ the Lamb (v. 12); they list seven attri-
butes which all point to the fact that he has everything that belongs to the God-
head.

After the song of the spiritual, invisible, creation, there follows the hymn of the
material, visible, world. This hymn (v. 14) differs from the previous one in that it
is also addressed to him who sits upon the throne. It thereby puts on the same
level God and the Lamb, whose Godhead is being proclaimed. This marks the
climax of the universal, cosmic praise that is rendered the Lamb. The emphatic
"Amen!" of the four living creatures, and the worship offered by the elders brings
this introductory vision to a close.

As in other passages of the book, mention is made of the role of the angels in
heaven, particularly the worship and praise they offer God before his throne (cf.
Rev 7:11), their role in putting God's plans into operation (cf. 11:15; 16:17; 22:6,
etc.) and their intercession with God on behalf of mankind (cf. 8:4).

The Church has always encouraged special devotion to the angels (cf. "Lumen
Gentium", 50). Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church clearly tells us
about the existence of angels and about their mission to guide and protect us;
cf. Exodus 23:20: "Behold, I send an angel before you, to guard you on the way
and to bring you to the place which I have prepared. Give heed to him and har-
ken to his voice." Echoing these words the Catechism of St Pius states that
"by God's providence angels have been entrusted with the office of guarding the
human race and of accompanying every human being [...]. (God) not only de-
putes angels on particular and private occasions, but also appoints them to take
care of us from our very births. He furthermore appoints them to watch over the
salvation of every member of the human race" (IV, 9). Devotion to one's guardian
angel, a part of ordinary Christian practice, is something we learn as children
and should keep up during our adult lives: "Have confidence in your guardian
Angel. Treat him as a lifelong friend--that is what he is--and he will render you a
thousand services in the ordinary affairs of each day" (St. J. Escriva, "The Way",
562).


Gospel Reading: John 21:1-19

The Miraculous Draught of Fish
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[1] After this Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe-
rias; and He revealed Himself in this way. [2] Simon Peter, Thomas called the
Twin, Nathaniel 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 beach; yet the disciples did
not know that it was Jesus. [5] Jesus said to them, "Children, have you 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, for the quantity of fish. [7] That disciple whom Jesus loved said
to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put
on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. [8] But 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 there, with fish lying on it,
and bread. [10] Jesus said to them, "Bring some fish that you have just caught."
[11] So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a
hundred and fifty-three 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.

Peter's Primacy
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[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] A second time He said
to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord, you
know 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 girded yourself and walked
where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and
another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." [19] (This He
said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this He said to him,
"Follow Me."

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Commentary:

1-3. There are some very significant things in this account: we find the disciples
"by the Sea of Tiberias", which means they have done what the risen Christ had
told them to do (cf. Matthew 28:7); they are together, which shows that there is
a close fraternity among them; Peter takes the initiative, which in a way shows
his authority; and they have gone back to their old jobs as fishermen, probably
waiting for our Lord to give them new instructions.

This episode is reminiscent of the first miraculous draught of fish (cf. Luke 5:1-
11), where our Lord promised Peter He would make him a fisher of men; now
He is going to confirm his mission as visible head of the Church.

4-8. The risen Jesus goes in search of His disciples, to encourage them and tell
them more about the great mission He has entrusted to them. This account de-
scribes a very moving scene, our Lord together with His own: "He passes by,
close to His Apostles, close to those souls who have given themselves to Him,
and they do not realize He is there. How often Christ is not only near us, but in
us; yet we still live in such a human way!... They, the disciples, recall what they
have heard so often from their Master's lips: fisher of men, apostles. And they
realize that all things are possible, because it is He who is directing their fishing.

"Whereupon 'the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord!' Love,
love is farsighted. Love is the first to appreciate kindness. The adolescent Apos-
tle, who felt a deep and firm affection for Jesus, because he loved Christ with all
the purity and tenderness of a heart that had never been corrupted, exclaimed:
'It is the Lord!'"

"'When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes and sprang
into the sea.' Peter personifies faith. Full of marvelous daring, he leaps into the
sea. With a love like John's and a faith like Peter's, what is there that can stop
us?" (St. J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 265-266).

9-14. We can sense here the deep impression this appearance of the risen Jesus
must have made on the Apostles, and how sweet a memory St. John kept of it.
After His resurrection Jesus showed the same tenderness as characterized His
public ministry. He makes use of natural things -- the fire, the fish, et cetera -- to
show that He really is there, and He maintains the familiar tone typical of when
He lived with the disciples.

The Fathers and Doctors of the Church have often dwelt on the mystical meaning
of this episode: the boat is the Church, whose unity is symbolized by the net
which is not torn; the sea is the world, Peter in the boat stands for supreme au-
thority of the Church, and the number of fish signifies the number of the elect (cf.
St. Thomas Aquinas, "Commentary on St. John, in loc.").

15-17. Jesus Christ had promised Peter that he would be the primate of the
Church (cf. Matthew 16:16-19 and note on the same). Despite his three denials
during our Lord's passion, Christ now confers on him the primacy He promised.

"Jesus questions Peter, three times, as if to give him a triple chance to atone
for his triple denial. Peter has learned his lesson from the bitter experience of his
wretchedness. Aware of his weakness, he is deeply convinced that rash claims
are pointless. Instead he puts everything in Christ's hands. 'Lord, You know well
that I love You" (St. J. Escriva, "Friends of God", 267).

 The primacy was given to Peter directly and immediately. So the Church has always 
understood -- and so Vatican I defined: "We therefore teach and declare that, 
according to the testimony of the Gospel, the primacy of jurisdiction over the universal 
Church of God was immediately and directly promised and given to Blessed Peter 
the Apostle by Christ our Lord. [...] And it was upon Simon Peter alone that Jesus 
after His resurrection bestowed the jurisdiction of chief pastor and ruler over all His 
fold in the words: "Feed My lambs; feed My sheep" ("Pastor Aeternus", Chapter 1).

The primacy is a grace conferred on Peter and his successors, the popes; it is
one of the basic elements in the Church, designed to guard and protect its unity:
"In order that the episcopate also might be one and undivided, and that [...] the
multitude of the faithful might be kept secure in the oneness of faith and commu-
nion, He set Blessed Peter over the rest of the Apostles, and fixed in him the
abiding principle of this twofold unity, and its visible foundation" ("Pastor Aeter-
nus, Dz-Sch 3051"; cf. Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium", 18). Therefore, the primacy
of Peter is perpetuated in each of his successors: this is something which Christ
disposed; it is not based on human legislation or custom.

By virtue of the primacy, Peter, and each of his successors, is the shepherd of
the whole Church and vicar of Christ on earth, because he exercises vicariously
Christ's own authority. Love for the Pope, whom St. Catherine of Siena used to
call "the sweet Christ on earth", should express itself in prayer, sacrifice and
obedience.

18-19. According to Tradition, St. Peter followed his Master to the point of dying
by crucifixion, head downwards, "Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom in Rome
during Nero's persecution of Christians, which took place between the years 64
and 68. St. Clement, the successor of the same Peter in the See of the Church
of Rome, recalls this when, writing to the Corinthians, he puts before them 'the
generous example of these two athletes': 'due to jealousy and envy, those who
were the principal and holiest columns suffered persecution and fought the fight
unto death'" ([Pope] Paul VI, "Petrum Et Paulum").

"Follow Me!": these words would have reminded the Apostle of the first call he re-
ceived (cf. Matthew 4:19) and of the fact that Christ requires of His disciples com-
plete self-surrender: "If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and
take up the Cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). St. Peter himself, in one of
his letters, also testifies to the Cross being something all Christians must carry:
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving
you an example, that you should follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).

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Source: "The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries". Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States. We encourage readers to purchase
The Navarre Bible for personal study. See Scepter Publishers for details.

[참고: 이 파일은 저서명 "가톨릭 교회의 말씀 전례에 따른 성경공부 해설서"(엮은이: 소순태, 출판사: 가톨릭출판사)의 각주의 연장으로 마련되었습니다].