Friday of Easter Octave
John 21: 1-14
The power in his name: Jesus, our Saviour

The Feast of Mark the Evangelist falls on April 25 is suspended this year as this day falls within the Easter Octave. In today’s first reading from Acts 4:1-12, Peter boldly proclaims that the crippled man was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” This moment reminds us of the Gospel truth: there is power in the name of Jesus. It is not just a name but a presence, a source of strength, and the key to salvation.

The Gospel of John presents another moment of faith. After a long, fruitless night of fishing, the apostles followed Jesus’ simple instruction to cast their nets again. Their obedience led to an overwhelming catch, just as Peter once obeyed Jesus when he first called him to follow. These stories reveal that faith in Jesus and trust in his name lead to miracles and blessings in abundance.

Peter’s confidence did not come from himself but from the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who inspires us to profess Jesus, to call upon him, and to trust in his guidance. The name of Jesus is not a mere word—it carries divine authority and the power to change lives.

Pope Francis once gave an anecdote of the example of a humble man, a father of eight, who worked for decades in the Archiepiscopal Curia of Buenos Aires whom he knew during his days as the archbishop. Before every task, he whispered, “Jesus!” When asked why, he responded, “When I say ‘Jesus,’ I feel strong. I know He is beside me.” This was not theological knowledge but a lived experience of faith.

In a world filled with false saviours, we are called to remember that there is no other name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12). Let us entrust ourselves to Jesus and call upon Him daily. And as Our Lady teaches us, “Do whatever He tells you.”

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025