A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

At the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus appeared to the disciples once again.  This is how the appearance took place.  Assembled were Simon Peter, Thomas (“the Twin”), Nathaniel (from Cana in Galilee), Zebedee’s sons and two other disciples.  Simon Peter said to them, I am going out to fish.”  “We’ll

join you,” they replied, and went off to get into their boat.  All through the night they caught nothing.

Just before daybreak, Jesus was standing on the shore. Though none of the disciples knew it, Jesus said to them, “Friends, have you caught nothing to eat?”  “Not a thing,” they answered.  “Cast your

net off to the starboard side,” Jesus suggested, “and you will find something.”  So they made a cast, and took so many fish they could not haul the net in.  Then the disciple Jesus loved cried out to Peter, “It is Jesus!”  On hearing who it was, Simon Peter threw on some clothes – he was stripped – and jumped into the water.  Meanwhile the other disciples came in the boat, towing the net full of fish.  Actually they were not

far from land – no more than a hundred yards.  When they landed, they saw a charcoal fire there with a fish laid on it and some bread.  “Bring some of the fish you just caught,” Jesus told them.  Simon Peter went aboard and hauled ashore the net loaded with sizable fish – one hundred fifty-three of them!  In spite of the great number, the net was

not torn.  “Come and eat your meal,” Jesus told them.  Not one of the disciples presumed to inquire, “Who are you?” for they knew who it was. Jesus came over, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.  This marked the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after being raised from the dead.

When they had eaten their meal, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”  “Yes,” Peter said, “You know that I love you.”  At which Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  A second time Jesus put his question, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes,” Peter said, “You know that I love you.” Jesus replied, ”Tend my sheep.”

A third time Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt because he had asked a third time, “Do you love me?”  So he said: “You know everything.  You know well that I love you.” Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep.  “I tell you solemnly, when you were younger, you fastened your belt and went about as you pleased; but when you are older, you will stretch out your hands, and another will tie you fast and carry you off against your will.”

(What Jesus said indicated the sort of death by which Peter was to glorify God.)  When Jesus had finished speaking, he addressed Peter, ”Follow me.”

The Good News as spoken through John.