1. The “Sanhedrin” said to Peter and the apostles, “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name”? Why the objections from the ancient council? How are you with interpretations of God’s word that are different from your own?

2. The apostles rejoiced that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor. When you encounter suffering in your life is there anything that helps you accept it? Do you know anyone suffering right now but is also exuding a kind of spiritual joy?

Second Reading
Revelation 5:11-14

1. Why does John say that he heard every creature in the universe cry out the words: “to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever?” Do we need to fix the climate crisis we are experiencing now, so that the environment, beasts, birds and people will always be able to cry out and glorify God?

2. The Israelites slaughtered and ate a lamb at the time of the Passover, and were protected from harm by the lamb’s blood on their doorposts. The mystery of divine love is that Christ’s blood spread out on the cross because of love for us. How are cross and resurrection made one in the image of the Paschal Lamb? Is this image a model for the Church?

Gospel
John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

1. Jesus was on the shore. John and the other disciples were in the fishing boat. Why do you think John recognized Jesus before the others? Discuss. There are four stories in this gospel: the appearance of Jesus to the disciples, the large catch of fish, the meal, and Peter’s commission. Which do you like to think about? Why?

2. Peter had left his nets in order to follow Jesus. He is disheartened when Jesus doesn’t show up and decides to go fishing. Andrew, James and John go with him. What happens to Simon Peter when John recognizes Jesus?

Peter needed that “jolt.” When he hears John cry: “It is the Lord!” (v 7), he immediately dives into the water and swims towards Jesus. It is a gesture of love, because love goes beyond usefulness, convenience, or duty; love generates wonder, it inspires creative, freely-given zeal. …

Dear brothers and sisters, today the Risen Christ invites us to a new impetus—everyone, each one of us. He invites us to dive into the good without fear of losing something, without calculating too much, without waiting for others to begin. Why? Do not wait for others, because in order to go towards Jesus, we need to go out on a limb. We need to go out on a limb with courage, resume, but to resume by going out on a limb, take risks. Let us ask ourselves: am I capable of an outburst of generosity, or do I restrain the impulses of my heart and close myself off in routine, or in fear? Jump in, dive in. This is today’s word from Jesus.

Jesus is missing and Peter, disheartened, goes fishing
Pope Francis, Angelus, May 1, 2022