This coming Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter in Lectionary Cycle C. The gospel is taken from John 21:1-19, a scene on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.  Our gospel describes the Apostle’s encounter with Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias. These verses are from the final chapter in the Gospel according to John. Immediately preceding this chapter are these verses: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of (his) disciples that are not written in this book.  But these are written that you may (come to) believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31)  

Such are the closing verses at the end of the so-called “Doubting Thomas” narrative of John’s gospel (“Believing Thomas” is the better #hashtag). It reads as a great ending to the whole gospel. That is why many scholars argue that John 21 is an addition to an original Gospel version that concluded at the end of John 20. But the problem with that view is that John 21 is found in every ancient manuscript of the Gospel that we possess and, if it was appended, must have been appended almost with the original publication of the work. 

Each Easter season the gospels are always taken from the Gospel of John. This is intentional and deeply theological. By consistently drawing from John during Easter, the Church ensures a theological and spiritual progression from the Resurrection to the sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, helping the faithful grow in understanding and living out the Paschal Mystery drawing on the following:

Johannine Themes of Resurrection and New Life – The Gospel of John provides a profound theological reflection on Jesus’ Resurrection, emphasizing themes of new life, belief, and the presence of the risen Christ among His disciples. These themes align perfectly with the Easter season, which celebrates Christ’s victory over death and the new life He offers.

Post-Resurrection Appearances –  Many of the post-Resurrection accounts, including Jesus’ encounters with Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and the disciples by the Sea of Galilee, are found in John (chapters 20–21). These readings reinforce the reality of the Resurrection and its transformative power in the lives of believers.

The Good Shepherd and the Promise of the Holy Spirit – The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” and the Gospel is always taken from John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. The later Sundays of Easter (especially leading up to Pentecost) feature readings from John 14–17, known as the “Farewell Discourse”, where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, preparing the Church for Pentecost.

Liturgical Continuity and Catechesis – The Easter season is a time of mystagogy—a deepening of faith for the newly baptized. The Gospel of John, with its rich sacramental theology (e.g., Baptism, Eucharist, the gift of the Holy Spirit), provides ideal material for instructing and strengthening the faithful.

Image credit: The Meal – Jesus and his Apostles | James Tissot, ca.1890 | Brooklyn Museum | PD-US