The Easter season is a time to hear and pray the Resurrection stories of Jesus, and today’s Gospel is one of the most memorable. We’re back in the Gospel of John, chapter 21. The fishing motif of the apostles is found in all four gospels, but John places his fishing story later in his narrative, in contrast with the synoptic evangelists’ placement at the beginning of theirs.
Both Luke and John have a story of a miraculous catch, and there are certainly some parallels between the two: the disciples have been fishing all night with no success; Jesus’ command to cast the nets; the great haul of fish; Peter’s spontaneous reaction to the amazing catch; fish as symbolic of the mission; and a reference to the condition of the net. Scripture scholars point to a possible well-known fishing story among the Christian community that each evangelist redacted for the purposes of his gospel.
We heard Luke’s version earlier this year on the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, when Peter’s reaction to the great catch was remorse: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” In John’s gospel, Peter reacts with joyful recognition: “It is the Lord!” Whereupon he jumps into the sea to be with his Lord.
The other disciples eventually join Jesus and Peter on the shore, and the meal that they share echoes Luke’s Emmaus story, where the risen Jesus is recognized in the breaking of the bread. But then John continues with one of the most moving passages in all the New Testament:
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord. You know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus said to him a 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. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Thus, Peter’s triple denial is forgiven with a triple commission to shepherd the Church, to give his very life for the love of his Lord.
3rd Sunday of Easter Entrance Antiphon Cry Out with Joy to God (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let us All Rejoice #94
Today’s Entrance Antiphon is taken from Psalm 66: “Cry out with joy to God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise, alleluia.” This is an appropriate Easter season proclamation.
Entrance Chant Christ Is Risen (Matt Maher and Mia Fieldes)
Choose Christ Missal 2022 #138; Spirit & Song
This is a good contemporary “Easter carol,” as I like to call them, whose catchy melody is easy to sing. Notice how the ascending keyboard part is like a musical expression of Jesus’ rising from the dead. “Christ Is Risen.”
Rite of Sprinkling Healing Waters (Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #294
Here is another option for the Easter season Rite of Sprinkling.
Responsorial Psalm I Will Praise You, Lord, for You Have Rescued Me (Rick Modlin)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 202
Rick Modlin’s verbatim setting is accessible and easily learned.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Christ Is Risen (Chant Mode II; arr. by Josh Blakesley)
Spirit & Psalm 2022: p. 198
Once again utilizing the iconic “Ye Sons and Daughters” melody, Josh’s setting draws us into today’s Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts The Risen Christ (Sarah Hart, Meredith Andrews and Jacob Sooter)
Choose Christ Missal 2022 #143
This contemporary Easter song brings Creation into the celebration of Jesus’ risen glory.
3rd Sunday of Easter Communion Antiphon The Disciples Recognized the Lord Jesus [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let us All Rejoice #95
The disciples recognized the Risen Jesus in the meal he set before them.
Communion Chant You Welcomed Me (Tom Booth)
Tom Booth’s anthem neatly weaves together John 21 (today’s Gospel) with Matthew 25 (Jesus’ challenge to social justice). You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Sending Forth Fish with Me (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #211; Never Too Young #128
This is one of the few contemporary songs about fishing, a central discipleship motif in the Gospels.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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