Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading
Acts 25:13-21
'I ordered Paul to be remanded until I could send him to Caesar'
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. Their visit lasted several days, and Festus put Paul’s case before the king. ‘There is a man here’ he said ‘whom Felix left behind in custody, and while I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and elders of the Jews laid information against him, demanding his condemnation. But I told them that Romans are not in the habit of surrendering any man until the accused confronts his accusers and is allowed to defend himself against the charge. So they came here with me, and I wasted no time but took my seat on the tribunal the very next day and had the man brought in. When confronted with him, his accusers did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected; but they had some argument or other with him about their own religion and about a dead man called Jesus whom Paul alleged to be alive. Not feeling qualified to deal with questions of this sort, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there on this issue. But Paul put in an appeal for his case to be reserved for the judgment of the august emperor, so I ordered him to be remanded until I could send him to Caesar.’
Commentary
Legal Proceedings: King Agrippa and Bernice arrive in Caesarea, and Festus informs Agrippa about Paul's case, highlighting the controversy surrounding Paul's accusations by the Jews (Acts 25:13-15).
Appeal to Agrippa: Festus discusses Paul's case with Agrippa, expressing his desire to present charges against Paul during Agrippa's visit, seeking guidance on how to address Paul's case when sending him to Caesar (Acts 25:16-21).
Political Maneuvering: Festus, recognizing the complexity of Paul's case and the potential political ramifications, seeks Agrippa's counsel and assistance in handling Paul's trial before Caesar, aiming to ensure a fair and just resolution to the matter.
Legal Authority: Festus' decision to remand Paul until further proceedings demonstrates his adherence to legal protocol and his commitment to upholding Roman law, despite the pressures and challenges surrounding Paul's case.
Divine Providence: Despite the political maneuvering and legal proceedings, God's providential plan for Paul's journey to Rome continues to unfold, fulfilling the prophecy of Paul's testimony before kings and Gentiles, as foretold in Acts 9:15.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 102(103):1-2, 11-12, 19-20
The Lord has set his sway in heaven.
or
Alleluia!
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven.
or
Alleluia!
For as the heavens are high above the earth
so strong is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west
so far does he remove our sins.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven.
or
Alleluia!
The Lord has set his sway in heaven
and his kingdom is ruling over all.
Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels,
mighty in power, fulfilling his word.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven.
or
Alleluia!
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Gospel Acclamation
Jn 14:26
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Holy Spirit will teach you everything
and remind you of all I have said to you.
Alleluia!
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Gospel
John 21:15-19
Feed my lambs, feed my sheep
Jesus showed himself to his disciples, and after they had eaten he said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep.’ Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.
‘I tell you most solemnly,
when you were young
you put on your own belt
and walked where you liked;
but when you grow old
you will stretch out your hands,
and somebody else will put a belt around you
and take you where you would rather not go.’
In these words, he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this, he said, ‘Follow me.’
Commentary
Commission to Peter: Jesus reinstates Peter after his denial, asking him three times if he loves Him, paralleling Peter's threefold denial. Through this exchange, Jesus entrusts Peter with the responsibility of shepherding His flock (John 21:15-17).
Care for the Flock: Jesus instructs Peter to "feed my lambs" and "tend my sheep," emphasizing the pastoral role of nurturing and caring for both new and mature believers within the community of faith (John 21:15-17).
Love Demonstrated in Service: The act of shepherding is rooted in love for Jesus, as demonstrated by Peter's genuine affection and commitment to the well-being of Christ's followers (John 21:15-17).
Sacrificial Love: Jesus predicts Peter's future martyrdom, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Christian leadership and underscoring the call to selflessly serve and care for God's people, even to the point of laying down one's life (John 21:18-19).
Following Jesus: Jesus concludes by reaffirming His call to Peter, inviting him to follow Him faithfully, regardless of the challenges and sacrifices that lie ahead, reminding Peter of the ultimate purpose and reward of discipleship (John 21:19).
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