Called to Gather All People

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Friday in the Octave of Easter, challenge us to be bold agents of our Christian mission to preach the Good News with our loving and healing action.

Gather and be Fed

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents Peter before the Sanhedrin.

* [4:1] The priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees: the priests performed the temple liturgy; the temple guard was composed of Levites, whose captain ranked next after the high priest. The Sadducees, a party within Judaism at this time, rejected those doctrines, including bodily resurrection, which they believed alien to the ancient Mosaic religion. The Sadducees were drawn from priestly families and from the lay aristocracy.

* [4:11] Early Christianity applied this citation from Ps 118:22 to Jesus; cf. Mk 12:10; 1 Pt 2:7.

* [4:12] In the Roman world of Luke’s day, salvation was often attributed to the emperor who was hailed as “savior” and “god.” Luke, in the words of Peter, denies that deliverance comes through anyone other than Jesus. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 118 is part of a thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a procession of the king and the people into the Temple precincts.

* [Psalm 118] A thanksgiving liturgy accompanying a procession of the king and the people into the Temple precincts. After an invocation in the form of a litany (Ps 118:1–4), the psalmist (very likely speaking in the name of the community) describes how the people confidently implored God’s help (Ps 118:5–9) when hostile peoples threatened its life (Ps 118:10–14); vividly God’s rescue is recounted (Ps 118:15–18). Then follows a possible dialogue at the Temple gates between the priests and the psalmist as the latter enters to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice (Ps 118:19–25). Finally, the priests impart their blessing (Ps 118:26–27), and the psalmist sings in gratitude (Ps 118:28–29).

* [118:22] The stone the builders rejected: a proverb: what is insignificant to human beings has become great through divine election. The “stone” may originally have meant the foundation stone or capstone of the Temple. The New Testament interpreted the verse as referring to the death and resurrection of Christ (Mt 21:42; Acts 4:11; cf. Is 28:16 and Rom 9:33; 1 Pt 2:7).

* [118:25] Grant salvation: the Hebrew for this cry has come into English as “Hosanna.” This cry and the words in Ps 118:26 were used in the gospels to welcome Jesus entering the Temple on Palm Sunday (Mk 11:9–10). (Psalms, PSALM 118 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Appearance to the Seven Disciples in Galilee. 

* [21:1–23] There are many non-Johannine peculiarities in this chapter, some suggesting Lucan Greek style; yet this passage is closer to John than Jn 7:53–8:11. There are many Johannine features as well. Its closest parallels in the synoptic gospels are found in Lk 5:1–11 and Mt 14:28–31. Perhaps the tradition was ultimately derived from John but preserved by some disciple other than the writer of the rest of the gospel. The appearances narrated seem to be independent of those in Jn 20. Even if a later addition, the chapter was added before publication of the gospel, for it appears in all manuscripts.

* [21:2] Zebedee’s sons: the only reference to James and John in this gospel (but see note on Jn 1:37). Perhaps the phrase was originally a gloss to identify, among the five, the two others of his disciples. The anonymity of the latter phrase is more Johannine (Jn 1:35). The total of seven may suggest the community of the disciples in its fullness.

* [21:3–6] This may be a variant of Luke’s account of the catch of fish; see note on Lk 5:1–11.

* [21:9, 12–13] It is strange that Jesus already has fish since none have yet been brought ashore. This meal may have had eucharistic significance for early Christians since Jn 21:13 recalls Jn 6:11 which uses the vocabulary of Jesus’ action at the Last Supper; but see also note on Mt 14:19.

* [21:11] The exact number 153 is probably meant to have a symbolic meaning in relation to the apostles’ universal mission; Jerome claims that Greek zoologists catalogued 153 species of fish. Or 153 is the sum of the numbers from 1 to 17. Others invoke Ez 47:10.

* [21:12] None…dared to ask him: is Jesus’ appearance strange to them? Cf. Lk 24:16; Mk 16:12; Jn 20:14. The disciples do, however, recognize Jesus before the breaking of the bread (opposed to Lk 24:35).

* [21:14] This verse connects Jn 20 and 21; cf. Jn 20:19, 26. (John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer asks “Are we, like Simon, being asked by Jesus to share the Good News and become fishers of men?” 

Are we being called to be more than just dutiful parishioners who share our income with the church each Sunday when the offering plate is passed?

If we agree with the call-to-action Jesus shared with Simon, then our challenge is to expand our efforts beyond reading in private our Daily Reflection and become active in how we live our faith in service to others. How can we become more involved in our faith community? How can we demonstrate that Christ is the center of our lives? How can we live our faith with those who share our beliefs and help guide into the net of safety those who are on the fringe of society, who are disenfranchised, weak or lonely?

Our gifts to support the church are worthy, but our active participation in the Gospel is the real work of the church that Jesus wants and needs us to do. Maybe we need to remind ourselves of the old adage, “Walking with Christ means walking like Christ.” (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Resurrected Bodies,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The bodies of the righteous at the resurrection will need neither any fruit to preserve them from dying of disease or the wasting decay of old age nor any bodily nourishment to prevent hunger and thirst. For they will be endowed with such a sure and inviolable gift of immortality that they will not eat because they have to, but only if they want to. Not the power but the necessity of eating and drinking shall be taken away from them... just like our Savior after his resurrection took meat and drink with his disciples, with spiritual but still real flesh, not for the sake of nourishment, but in an exercise of his power." (excerpt from City of God 13.22) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 21:1-14 comments that Jesus once told the apostles that he had come so that we might have “life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). And what is he giving us in abundance? Not just fish or bread or wine. In Peter’s case, it was mercy! The same is true for us. However low we have fallen, his mercy never runs dry. He will always restore us to himself when we come to him.

God’s abundance extends even beyond mercy: he “does not ration his gift of the Spirit” (John 3:34). Just as the Spirit came upon the apostles at Pentecost, he has come to us—not just at Baptism and Confirmation, but with a new outpouring every time we ask for it. And just as the Spirit blessed Peter and the other disciples with the gifts and power to “feed [his] sheep,” so the Spirit gives us the strength, power, and grace to do the same (21:17).

We often tend to focus on what we lack. Today, think instead of how abundantly you’ve been blessed. Then thank the risen Lord for all he has done for you!

“Jesus, I praise you for the new life you have won for me!” (Meditation on John 21:1-14, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today. Peter and John had healed the crippled  beggar and the people heard the kerygma preached about Christ. The religious leaders are upset and Peter declares he had acted in the name of Jesus who had been put to death by the authorities but filled with boldness in the Spirit, Peter proclaims Jesus' resurrection. In the Sea of Galilee people fished in the cool water of the night but they had not caught fish. A person on the shore urges them to try the other side and the catch is declared to be 153 fish. Impetuous Peter jumps in the water recognizing that Jesus is serving fish and bread. This event is a reminder of the Eucharisic Chapter in John Ch 21. Friar Jude comments this sign is about proclaiming the Good News. The total number of fish species was thought to be 153 and this is a sign that they are to catch everyone in their nets.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes how it’s possible to experience resurrection through experiencing God’s love. He believes the meaning of the resurrection of Jesus is summed up in the climactic line from the Song of Songs: “Love is stronger than death” (8:6). In Christian art, the risen Christ often holds a blank, white banner; if that banner should say anything, it should say: “Love will win!” Love is all that remains. Love and life are finally the same thing, and we know that for ourselves once we have walked through death.

Remember, Love has you. Love is you. Love alone, and your deep need for love, recognizes love everywhere else. Remember that you already are what you are seeking. Any fear “that your lack of fidelity could cancel God’s fidelity, is absurd” (Romans 3:3), says Paul. Love has finally overcome fear, and your house is being rebuilt on a new and solid foundation. This foundation was always there, but it took you a long time to find it, for “It is love alone that lasts” (1 Corinthians 13:13). All you have loved in your life and been loved by is eternal and true. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We ask the Spirit to inform our understanding that the abundance of life is realized as we adopt a life mission of love for all of Creation.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/4?1 

John, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/21? 

Meditation on John 21:1-14. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/10/1540741/ 

Psalms, PSALM 118 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/118?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Resurrection Is Possible Now. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/resurrection-is-possible-now/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-10-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Revealed Himself Again to the Disciples. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Present in Word and Bread

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today, Thursday of Easter Octave, invite us to discover the Presence of Christ in Word and the Sacrament of the Bread of Life.

Fed by the Word

The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles presents the “kerygma” in Peter’s Speech.

* [3:13] Has glorified: through the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, God reversed the judgment against him on the occasion of his trial. Servant: the Greek word can also be rendered as “son” or even “child” here and also in Acts 3:26; 4:25 (applied to David); Acts 4:27; and Acts 4:30. Scholars are of the opinion, however, that the original concept reflected in the words identified Jesus with the suffering Servant of the Lord of Is 52:13–53:12.

* [3:14] The Holy and Righteous One: so designating Jesus emphasizes his special relationship to the Father (see Lk 1:35; 4:34) and emphasizes his sinlessness and religious dignity that are placed in sharp contrast with the guilt of those who rejected him in favor of Barabbas.

* [3:15] The author of life: other possible translations of the Greek title are “leader of life” or “pioneer of life.” The title clearly points to Jesus as the source and originator of salvation.

* [3:17] Ignorance: a Lucan motif, explaining away the actions not only of the people but also of their leaders in crucifying Jesus. On this basis the presbyters in Acts could continue to appeal to the Jews in Jerusalem to believe in Jesus, even while affirming their involvement in his death because they were unaware of his messianic dignity. See also Acts 13:27 and Lk 23:34.

* [3:18] Through the mouth of all the prophets: Christian prophetic insight into the Old Testament saw the crucifixion and death of Jesus as the main import of messianic prophecy. The Jews themselves did not anticipate a suffering Messiah; they usually understood the Servant Song in Is 52:13–53:12 to signify their own suffering as a people. In his typical fashion (cf. Lk 18:31; 24:25, 27, 44), Luke does not specify the particular Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus. See also note on Lk 24:26.

* [3:20] The Lord…and send you the Messiah already appointed for you, Jesus: an allusion to the parousia or second coming of Christ, judged to be imminent in the apostolic age. This reference to its nearness is the only explicit one in Acts. Some scholars believe that this verse preserves a very early christology, in which the title “Messiah” (Greek “Christ”) is applied to him as of his parousia, his second coming (contrast Acts 2:36). This view of a future messiahship of Jesus is not found elsewhere in the New Testament.

* [3:21] The times of universal restoration: like “the times of refreshment” (Acts 3:20), an apocalyptic designation of the messianic age, fitting in with the christology of Acts 3:20 that associates the messiahship of Jesus with his future coming.

* [3:22] A loose citation of Dt 18:15, which teaches that the Israelites are to learn the will of Yahweh from no one but their prophets. At the time of Jesus, some Jews expected a unique prophet to come in fulfillment of this text. Early Christianity applied this tradition and text to Jesus and used them especially in defense of the divergence of Christian teaching from traditional Judaism. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 8 contrasts the smallness of humans with the dignity bestowed with God.

* [Psalm 8] While marvelling at the limitless grandeur of God (Ps 8:2–3), the psalmist is struck first by the smallness of human beings in creation (Ps 8:4–5), and then by the royal dignity and power that God has graciously bestowed upon them (Ps 8:6–9).

* [8:1] Upon the gittith: probably the title of the melody to which the Psalm was to be sung or a musical instrument.

* [8:3] With the mouths of babes and infants: the psalmist realizes that his attempts to praise such an awesome God are hopelessly inadequate and amount to little more than the sounds made by infants. Established a bulwark: an allusion to lost myth telling how God built a fortress for himself in the heavens in primordial times in his battle with the powers of chaos. This “bulwark” is the firmament. Enemy and avenger: probably cosmic enemies. The primeval powers of watery chaos are often personified in poetic texts (Ps 74:13–14; 89:11; Jb 9:13; 26:12–13; Is 51:9).

* [8:5] Man…a son of man: the emphasis is on the fragility and mortality of human beings to whom God has given great dignity.

* [8:6] Little less than a god: Hebrew ‘elohim, the ordinary word for “God” or “the gods” or members of the heavenly court. The Greek version translated ‘elohim by “angel, messenger”; several ancient and modern versions so translate. The meaning seems to be that God created human beings almost at the level of the beings in the heavenly world. Heb 2:9, translating “for a little while,” finds the eminent fulfillment of this verse in Jesus Christ, who was humbled before being glorified, cf. also 1 Cor 15:27 where St. Paul applies to Christ the closing words of Ps 8:7. (Psalms, PSALM 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Appearance of Jesus to the Disciples in Jerusalem.

* [24:36–43, 44–49] The Gospel of Luke, like each of the other gospels (Mt 28:16–20; Mk 16:14–15; Jn 20:19–23), focuses on an important appearance of Jesus to the Twelve in which they are commissioned for their future ministry. As in Lk 24:6, 12, so in Lk 24:36, 40 there are omissions in the Western text.

* [24:39–42] The apologetic purpose of this story is evident in the concern with the physical details and the report that Jesus ate food.

* [24:46] See note on Lk 24:26. (Luke, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

Carol Zuegner thinks about the disciples and the whole range of feelings they must have been experiencing after the events that led to Jesus’s crucifixion and death. Disbelief. Grief. Sorrow. Fear. Adrift in all of those feelings.

Even though Jesus spoke about this, called on the words of the prophets, fulfilled the words of the prophets, the disciples had a hard time figuring all of that out. They were incredulous with joy. It’s understandable in that fog of grief and fear. Jesus offers comfort and allays their fears from the very start. His first words: Peace be with you.

Now that we have celebrated Easter, a different kind of work begins after the days of Lent. How do I share the love and joy and peace of Christ in my life? How do I live out the Easter joy? What prayers, good works, and peace can I bring to those near to me and to the world? How can I overcome my fear and hesitancy and be fueled instead by the joy of the resurrection? I know I can start in small ways to find God in all things, to love my neighbor as myself, to forgive others as I hope to be forgiven. (Zuegner, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The Easter Alleluia,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We are praising God now, assembled as we are here in church; but when we go on our various ways again, it seems as if we cease to praise God. But provided we do not cease to live a good life, we shall always be praising God. You cease to praise God only when you swerve from justice and from what is pleasing to God. If you never turn aside from the good life, your tongue may be silent but your actions will cry aloud, and God will perceive your intentions; for as our ears hear each others voices, so do God's ears hear our thoughts. " (excerpt from commentary on Psalm 148) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 24:35-48 comments that Jesus saw their doubt, but he patiently calmed their fears. He showed them his hands and feet, invited them to touch him, and ate fish with them. Even more, “he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” and showed them how he had fulfilled God’s promises (24:45). As he had always done, he led them closer to himself, one step at a time.

And just as he did back then, he will lead you one step at a time.

How? He might highlight a verse from the daily readings and help it stick in your mind during the day. He might enlighten you as you use a commentary to learn about the historical context of a passage. Or he might give you an awareness that he is “with you always,” even when you’re lonely or afraid (Matthew 28:20). He might even give you a personal experience of his mercy, as though a light has turned on, enabling you to believe his promise: “Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11). Each experience builds on the next, so that you become more and more confident that Jesus can teach you through his word.

Jesus wants to open your mind to hear his voice and understand the Scriptures. So spend time pondering and studying God’s word. Pause a few times during the day, and ask the Spirit to speak to you about it. You will be amazed, just as his disciples were!

“Jesus, help me to hear your voice speaking to me in Scripture today.” (Meditation on Luke 24:35-48, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Paula Gooder who describes how Jesus’s resurrection would have been interpreted as a sign that the end times—of justice, mercy, and love—had begun. A lot of the New Testament writers made sense of this by seeing Jesus’ resurrection as a radical and transforming event which changed the world now…. For them, Jesus’ resurrection signaled far, far more than a dead person living; it marked the start of a whole new way of being. The end times had begun, but not in their entirety. [1]

We can be encouraged by glimpses of resurrection in the here and now:

The world is as it always was with its wars, heartache, poverty, and oppressions, but … in the midst of conflict and aggression, we can, from time to time, see moments of reconciliation and of compassion. Occasions when the parent of a murdered son can forgive his killers, when a community can rise against the gangs that terrorize it and make it a better place, when we can rise above the petty arguments that spoil our human relationships are, for me, all a slice of the end times now. Some are dramatic world-changing occasions; others are small and apparently insignificant. Some affect whole nations and continents; others one or two individuals. The occasions may only be momentary and we quickly move back into the harsh reality of the everyday, but their effects linger, suggesting that new creation is possible and that transformation can happen.…

Belief in the resurrection is an act of rebellion against the evil, corruption and oppression that can so easily swamp us. Believing in the resurrection can be a refusal to accept the world as it is, that it can never change…. Believing in resurrection allows us to see the world with a long view, a perspective that looks backward to resurrection and forwards to the end times, recognizing traces of resurrection and end times in what is happening now. Believing in the resurrection can and should transform not only how we view the world, but how we live in it. We should become people in whom others can see new life, and people who introduce that new life wherever the world is stultifying and life-denying. Resurrection makes a difference not only to Jesus and the earliest disciples but also to us, as we live out our lives day by day. [2] (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to support our action to bring love, care, and compassion to the encounters with the people in our environment.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/3?11 

Luke, CHAPTER 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/24?35 

Meditation on Luke 24:35-48. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/09/1540147/ 

Psalms, PSALM 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/8?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Risen Existence. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 9, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-risen-existence/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Opened Their Minds to Understand the Scriptures. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Zuegner, C. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-9-2026