Gospel: Jn 3:1–8
Among the Pharisees there was a ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus. He came to
Jesus by night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God to teach us, for no
one can perform miraculous signs like yours unless God is with him.” Jesus replied,

Gospel: Jn 20:19–31
On the evening of that day, the first day after the Sabbath, the doors were locked where the disciples were,
because of their fear of the Jews. But Jesus came, and stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you!”
Then he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples, seeing the Lord, were full of joy.
Again Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” After saying this, he breathed on them,

Gospel: Mk 16:9–15
After Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary of Magdala, from whom he had driven out
seven demons. She went and reported the news to his followers, who were now mourning and weeping. But when they
heard that he lived, and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he showed himself in another
form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. These men also went back and told the others, but they did not believe them.
Later Jesus showed himself to the Eleven while they were at table. He reproached them for their unbelief, and hardness of
heart, in refusing to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. Then he told them, “Go out to the whole world and proclaim
the Good News to all creation.

Reflection:

This is a recapitulation of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. We have the
impression that the news is not accepted easily by the disciples. That is why the
resurrection appearances are many and with various peoples. It is too big an
event that the mind needs time to adjust before it can give space to this
new reality that inserted itself to human reality. But the Lord could not go
on appearing until they believe. That is why He appears in this gospel to
all when they are at table, rebuke their unbelief, and give them a command.
They have to take over now that He is near in going back to the Father. It
is time that He entrusts to them His unfinished work. It will be challenging times
ahead for the disciples. A great responsibility is given them. The joy of the
resurrection gives way to somber reality.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021

Gospel: Jn 21:1–14*
(…) When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not
know that it was Jesus. Jesus called out, “Friends, have you anything to eat?” They
answered, “Nothing.” Then he said to them, “Throw the net on the right side of the boat and
you will find something.” When they had lowered the net, they were not able to pull it in
because of the great number of fish. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter,
“It’s the Lord!” At these words, “It’s the Lord!” Simon Peter put on his clothes, for he was
stripped for work, and jumped into the water. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging
the net full of fish; they were not far from land, about a hundred meters.
When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said
to them, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed into the boat
and pulled the net to shore. It was full of big fish one hundred and fifty-three but, in spite of this,
the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” And not one of the disciples dared to
ask him, “Who are you?” for they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it
to them, and he did the same with the fish. (...)

Reflection:

This is the third time Jesus shows Himself to His disciples not counting
His appearance to the women who went to His tomb. First is with the two
disciples on the road to Emmaus, the second is with the gathered disciples in the
room, and now some of the disciples that went fishing in the Lake Tiberias. It was one
of those nights when fishes don’t bite. They caught nothing. Their luck is as
dark as the night that they went fishing. But with the advent of dawn, their luck
changed. A stranger told them to lower their nets on the right side of the boat
and they caught plenty of fishes. It is John who recognizes the Lord first.
After all he is the beloved. But it was Peter who approached the Lord first.
The loaves and the fish that awaited them on the shore is too familiar an experience
for them. They could not be mistaken. Their Lord is truly risen from the dead.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021