Third Sunday of Easter
John 21: 1-19
Fishers of Hope

As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, today’s Gospel speaks to our spiritual pilgrimage. The scene unfolds at the Lake of Galilee, where the disciples find themselves with empty nets after a night of fishing. How often do we, too, return to old habits when we feel disheartened or uncertain about our path?

Peter’s experience mirrors our own spiritual journeys. Despite having followed Jesus, he reverts to his former life: “I am going fishing.” This retreat to familiarity in times of confusion is deeply human. Like Peter, we sometimes neglect prayer, substitute meaningful family conversations with distractions, or abandon charity when life becomes demanding. These backward steps leave us with empty nets and unfulfilled hearts.

The beauty of this Gospel lies in Jesus’ response. He doesn’t reproach the disciples but tenderly calls them “children” and invites them to cast their nets again. In this Jubilee Year, Christ offers us the same invitation – to begin anew with Him, to push into deeper waters despite our disappointments.

When Peter hears, “It is the Lord,” he dives impulsively toward Jesus. What beautiful imagery for our pilgrimage of hope! The Jubilee calls us to this same spontaneous love – to move beyond calculation and convenience toward Christ with renewed enthusiasm.

“Do you love me?” Jesus asks Peter three times, and He asks us the same question today. Our pilgrimage isn’t primarily about knowledge but about love. Our response to this question determines whether we’ll continue fishing as before or embark on the true pilgrimage of discipleship.

As pilgrims of hope in this Jubilee Year, we’re invited to dive courageously into the good without fear of loss, without excessive calculation, without waiting for others to begin. May Our Lady, who promptly said “yes” to God, help us rediscover the impulse to do good as we journey forward in hope.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025