Easter Friday is the fifth day of the Easter Octave. The Church's joy continues unabated as we meditate on the post-Resurrection appearances of Christ and the transformation they brought to the disciples.
One of the most beloved post-Resurrection narratives is Jesus' appearance to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21). After a night of fruitless fishing:
"But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them, 'Children, have you anything to eat?' They answered him, 'No." — John 21:4-6
They caught 153 large fish, yet the net was not torn.
"Jesus said to them, 'Come and eat breakfast!' None of the disciples dared inquire of him, 'Who are you?' knowing that it was the Lord." — John 21:12
The risen Christ prepared breakfast for his disciples—bread and fish over a charcoal fire. This intimate meal echoes the multiplication of loaves and fishes and anticipates every Eucharistic gathering.
Three times Peter had denied Jesus. Now, three times Jesus asks:
"So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs." — John 21:15-17
Each question corresponds to a denial. Each affirmation restores. Each restoration comes with a commission: "Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep."
Peter, who had failed so spectacularly, is reinstated as shepherd of the flock. The Resurrection brings not only forgiveness but restoration to ministry.
Jesus concludes with the same words he spoke at the beginning: "Follow me." The call that began Peter's journey continues after his greatest failure. The risen Christ still calls, still leads, still invites us to follow.
During the Easter Octave, the Acts of the Apostles recounts the early Church's growth. The number of believers multiplied. The message spread from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and beyond. The Resurrection launched a movement that would transform the world.
Like Peter, we have denied the Lord in various ways. Like Peter, we need to hear the question: "Do you love me?" And like Peter, we are restored not merely to fellowship but to service. The risen Christ does not merely forgive—he commissions.