Free Resources and Reflections
Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
Sunday May 4, 2025
- First Reading – Acts 5:27-32, 40B-41: The apostles, questioned by the high priest, insisted on obeying God and rejoiced in their suffering for Jesus.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: The LORD saved me from my enemies and from death. I will thank and praise Him forever, for His mercy and favor bring joy and healing.
- Second Reading – Revelation 5:11-14: I saw countless angels praising the Lamb, and every creature joined in worship, giving honor and glory to God and the Lamb forever.
- Gospel – John 21:1-19: Jesus appeared to his disciples, guiding them to a miraculous catch. He shared breakfast and asked Peter three times if he loved him, instructing him to care for his followers.
And none of the disciples dared to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ because they realized it was the Lord.
John 21:1
Themes for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
The 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C readings remind us of the joy and responsibility that come with following Jesus. These themes help us reflect on the call to live out our faith with love and dedication.
- Obedience to God: The apostles insisted on obeying God rather than men, even when faced with persecution. This teaches us the importance of putting God’s will first in our lives.
- Joy in Suffering: The apostles rejoiced in their suffering for Jesus. This shows us that suffering for our faith is a reason for joy and not despair.
- Worship of the Lamb: In Revelation, countless angels and all creatures worship the Lamb. This reminds us that Jesus deserves all honor and glory from every part of creation.
- Love for Jesus: Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. This highlights the importance of affirming our love for Jesus and the call to show it through our actions.
- Caring for Others: Jesus told Peter to take care of His followers. This directs us to care for our fellow Christians as an expression of our love for Jesus.
- Jesus’ Guidance: Jesus guided the disciples to a miraculous catch of fish. This illustrates that following Jesus’ guidance leads to abundance and success in our spiritual journey.
These themes from the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C help us understand our faith more deeply. They encourage us to live with joy, love, and dedication to Jesus.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C.
Resources for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
Sunday May 4, 2025
Feed My Sheep: A Lesson Plan on Service
The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C is John 21:1-19. This passage shows Jesus serving breakfast to His disciples and calling Peter to “Feed My Sheep.” This lesson plan helps youth understand our call to care for one another. Christian service involves sacrifice, but Jesus strengthens us. He is the Good Shepherd, and we are invited to follow His example. By serving others, we tend and feed as Jesus instructed Peter. This service can be through practical acts like helping at a soup kitchen or spiritual acts like participating more at Mass.
Jelly Donut Feeding
The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C is John 21:1-19, where Jesus tells Peter to “feed my sheep.” This can be connected to a fun and messy game called Jelly Donut Feeding. In this game, participants are blindfolded and must feed each other sticky jelly donuts. It’s a great energizer for a lesson on this gospel, reminding us of the importance of serving others, even in playful and unexpected ways. Make sure to have some cleanup supplies on hand for this lively activity.
Fish Bowl Toss Carnival Game
The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C is John 21:1-19, where the disciples have a miraculous catch of fish. This can be connected to this fun activity. In this game, players try to land a ball in a fishbowl, similar to a traditional carnival game. Unlike the traditional game, this version does not use live fish. This easy and engaging game can serve as a fun activity for a lesson about the gospel, reminding participants of the miraculous catch and Jesus’ guidance.
Psalm 30: Hope and Trust in God
Psalm 30 is the responsorial psalm for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C. Sometimes we are overcome by fear and think we can handle it ourselves. But eventually, we find that we need God’s grace. When we turn to Him, He does not disappoint. Psalm 30 teaches us to trust in God’s mercy and strength, knowing He will lift us up from our troubles and bring us joy. It encourages us to call on God in times of need and to thank Him for His unwavering support. This psalm reminds us that God’s help is always there for us.
See a Prayer to God My Hope in Time of Fear (Based on Psalm 30).
Understanding the Book of Revelation
Revelation 5:11-14 is the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C. Understanding the Book of Revelation can be difficult. Every time we participate in the Eucharistic celebration, we are taking part in a liturgy where heaven intersects with earth. This heavenly worship is described in the Book of Revelation. It shows countless angels and all creatures praising God and the Lamb. This reading helps us see the Mass as a connection between our worship on earth and the worship in heaven. It encourages us to join in this heavenly praise during the Eucharist.
Homilies and Reflections for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
Sunday May 4, 2025
Right Praise, Right Order
In a homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C, Bishop Robert Barron explains Revelation 5:11-14. He highlights that Revelation is not about the end of the world but the unveiling of a new order through Jesus’ Resurrection. Bishop Barron emphasizes that in the Eucharist, we join the heavenly worship of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain. This liturgy links heaven and earth, showing us the right praise of God, which brings peace. The Mass is our connection to this heavenly worship, aligning our praise with that of the angels and saints.
God Never Lets Go
In a reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C, Jeff Cavins discusses John 21, where Peter, feeling ashamed after denying Jesus, returns to fishing. Jesus pursues Peter and asks him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time, Peter responds affirmatively, and Jesus commands him to “Feed my sheep,” reaffirming Peter’s role. Cavins encourages those feeling distant from their calling to remember that Jesus always pursues us with mercy. Jesus’ pursuit and Peter’s reaffirmation emphasize the importance of returning to our vocation and serving others.
Fire of Love
In a reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C, Scott Hahn highlights the significance of the “charcoal fire” in John’s Gospel. At the first charcoal fire, Peter denied Jesus three times. At the second charcoal fire, he repents and professes his love three times, reaffirming his role as shepherd of the Church. Jesus’ question, “Do you love me more than these?” recalls Peter’s previous boast. Jesus also foretells Peter’s martyrdom. The first reading shows the apostles rejoicing in their suffering, confident in their future glory. This theme of suffering and redemption is echoed in the Psalm and the second reading.
A Relentlessly Public Religion
Christianity: A Public Faith
In his homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C, Bishop Robert Barron explains that Christianity is a public faith, meant to be shared openly. He contrasts the private practice of religion in modern society with the bold public witness of the apostles in Acts. After Jesus’ Resurrection, the apostles filled Jerusalem with their teaching, despite persecution. Bishop Barron emphasizes that authentic Christianity challenges the world’s corruption through nonviolent means like preaching and witness. Christians are called to be assertive and public in their faith, without resorting to violence, following the example of the apostles and martyrs.
More Thoughts for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C offer important lessons about obedience to God, worship, and love. They remind us of the joy and responsibility that come with following Jesus. These reflections help us understand and apply these lessons in our lives.
Obedience to God
The apostles stood firm in their faith when questioned by the high priest. They insisted on obeying God rather than men. This teaches us the importance of staying true to God’s commands, even when it is difficult.
Obedience to God requires courage and trust. The apostles knew that following God might bring them suffering, but they chose to obey Him anyway. This kind of faith inspires us to make similar choices in our own lives.
We face many situations where we must choose between obeying God or following the world. The apostles’ example encourages us to stand firm in our faith. By putting God first, we show our commitment to His will.
Worship of the Lamb
In the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C from Revelation, John sees countless angels and every creature worshiping the Lamb. This vision shows us that Jesus is worthy of all honor and praise. It reminds us that worship is central to our faith.
Worship brings us closer to God. When we join in the worship of Jesus, we acknowledge His greatness and our need for Him. It helps us focus on what truly matters and strengthens our relationship with Him.
The scene in Revelation invites us to be part of this great chorus of praise. Every time we worship, we join with all of creation in giving glory to Jesus. This shared worship unites us with believers everywhere and brings us joy.
Love for Jesus
In the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Each time, Peter affirms his love, and Jesus tells him to care for His followers. This conversation highlights the importance of love and responsibility in our faith.
Loving Jesus means more than words. It means taking action. Jesus asked Peter to show his love by caring for others. This teaches us that true love for Jesus is shown in how we treat those around us.
Our actions reflect our love for Jesus. When we help and support others, we are living out His command to love. By caring for others, we show that our love for Jesus is genuine and strong.
From Followers to Friends
In the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C, Jesus calls Peter and the disciples beyond the teacher-student relationship. Up to this point, he has been their rabbi or “great one” and they have been his followers. He moves from being their rabbi to calling them friends. This marks a deeper level of relationship with Jesus.
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed their feet, showing that he came to serve. This act turned their understanding upside down. Jesus showed that true greatness lies in serving others.
Here at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus calls Peter (and us) to a deep love. This is not a superficial friendship, but a call to give our whole selves to Jesus. Our journey with Jesus also moves from knowledge to deep, lasting commitment.
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C call us to obey God, worship Jesus, and show our love through action. They remind us of the joy and responsibility of following Jesus. By reflecting on these lessons, we can grow stronger in our faith and closer to God.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to obey You always, to worship You with all our hearts, and to show our love through caring for others. Strengthen our faith and guide us in Your ways. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
- How can we show obedience to God in our daily lives, especially when it is difficult?
- In what ways can we find joy in suffering for our faith, as the apostles did?
- What does it mean to you to worship Jesus as the Lamb of God?
- How can we join with all creation in giving glory to Jesus through our worship?
- How can we show our love for Jesus through our actions, as Peter was called to do?
- What are some practical ways we can care for others in our community and church?
- How has your relationship with Jesus changed over time? Have you moved from knowledge to deep love and commitment?
- What steps can we take to deepen our friendship with Jesus and make it more than just a superficial connection?
- How can we encourage others to grow in their faith and love for Jesus, following Peter’s example?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
Music Suggestions for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
Sunday May 4, 2025
These music selections for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C reflect key themes from the readings. Songs of praise and worship celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection and our call to follow Him. Hymns about joy and redemption remind us of Peter’s repentance and the apostles’ joy in suffering for Jesus. Pieces focusing on service and discipleship echo Jesus’ command to Peter to “feed my sheep.” Music about the Eucharist and the gathering of the faithful reflect our unity in Christ and the heavenly worship described in Revelation. These themes help deepen our understanding and celebration of this Easter season.
- All Creatures of Our God and King
- Alleluia Raise the Gospel
- Alleluia Sing to Jesus
- At the Lamb’s High Feast
- Christ Is Risen
- Companions on the Journey
- From the Inside Out
- Glory and Praise to Our God
- God and Man at Table are Sat Down
- Hallelujah – Your Love Is Amazing
- Here I Am to Worship
- Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
- Let Us Break Bread Together
- Lift Up Your Hearts
- Mighty to Save
- Psalm 30 – I Will Praise You Lord
- Shepherd of Souls
- Sing a New Church
- Taste and See
- Three Days
- We Remember
- We Walk By Faith
- Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
- You Stand Knocking
- Your Grace Is Enough
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and incorporate them into their services. Try these songs and suggest your own choices in the comments. Sharing your experiences and ideas will enrich our communal worship and support our journey in faith.
Questions and Answers for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
What date is the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C?
The next date is Sunday May 4, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Easter Year A
3rd Sunday of Easter Year B
What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C?
The Mass readings for Sunday May 4, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 5:27-32, 40B-41: Obeying God
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: Praise for Rescue
Second Reading – Revelation 5:11-14: Praise to the Lamb
Gospel – John 21:1-19: Jesus Reveals Himself
Why did the apostles insist on obeying God instead of men in the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C?
The apostles believed that God’s commands are the highest authority. They knew that following God’s will was more important than following human rules.
How can we find joy in suffering like the apostles did?
We can find joy in suffering by remembering that we are suffering for our faith in Jesus. This can bring us closer to Him and strengthen our faith.
What does it mean to worship the Lamb as described in the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C from Revelation?
Worshiping the Lamb means giving honor and praise to Jesus. It shows that we recognize His greatness and our need for Him.
Why is worship central to our faith?
Worship is central to our faith because it brings us closer to God. It helps us focus on what truly matters and strengthens our relationship with Jesus.
Why did Jesus ask Peter three times if he loved Him in the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C?
Jesus asked Peter three times to affirm his love and to remind him of his responsibility to care for others. It was also a way to restore Peter after he denied Jesus three times.
How can we show our love for Jesus in practical ways?
We can show our love for Jesus by helping and caring for others. This includes acts of kindness, support, and service.
What does it mean to move from being followers to friends of Jesus?
Moving from followers to friends of Jesus means having a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. It involves a lasting commitment and giving our whole selves to Him.
How can we serve others as Jesus did?
We can serve others by helping those in need, being kind, and putting others’ needs before our own. Serving others shows our love for Jesus.
How can we encourage others to grow in their faith?
We can encourage others by sharing our own faith experiences, being a good example, and supporting them in their spiritual journey. This helps build a strong faith community.
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