Isaiah 61:1-3 / John 21:1-19

The season of Easter continues through the Day of Pentecost, Sunday, June 5. This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Easter, and our two Scripture readings are Isaiah 61:1-3 and John 21:1-19.

The opening lines of Isaiah 61:1-3 should sound familiar. Jesus read them before he preached for the first time (see Luke 4:16-30). This is a good passage to read in the lectio divina mode: read it three times; first, pray and take a few moments to be calm; read the passage and make note of any words, phrases, or images that stand out for you; read again, this time seeking deeper awareness of what stands out, and how you respond (feeling inspired, confused, challenged, peaceful, etc.); read a third time in the attitude of the priest Samuel — “Speak, Lord, thy servant listens.”

In order to experience the power of John 21:1-19, go back and read John 13:36-38 and John 18:15-18, 25-27.

Are you surprised to find Peter so thrilled to see the risen Christ?

How did Peter seem to feel as Jesus questioned him?