Feed My Sheep

John 21:1-19

In this sermon, Father Mark reflects on the rich symbolism and spiritual metaphors of John’s Gospel, particularly the story of the risen Christ appearing to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The sermon begins by highlighting the contrast between Peter’s ego-driven decision to return to fishing and the disciples’ inability to catch anything on their own. Father Mark connects this to the first chapter of John’s Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus, the eternal Word, calls us back to our true identity—not as self-reliant individuals, but as children of God. Jesus’ calling the disciples “children” is not an insult but an invitation to reclaim their deeper spiritual identity and live not from ego, but from divine relationship.

Father Mark then explores the deeper significance of the miraculous catch of fish, the charcoal fire on the shore, and the threefold question Jesus asks Peter: “Do you love me?” These moments symbolically reverse Peter’s earlier denials and point toward transformation. The sermon beautifully contrasts the fear and failure of Peter’s past with the morning of restoration and spiritual clarity offered by Christ. The call to “Feed my sheep” is not only directed at Peter but at all of us, representing our own call to respond to God’s love with self-surrender and service.

Finally, Father Mark encourages the congregation to examine whether their daily actions flow from ego or from their identity as beloved children of God. He invites everyone to approach the Eucharist as a sacramental breakfast with the risen Christ—a moment of spiritual nourishment and renewal. He concludes by praying that every word and act in the coming week might emerge from that sacred inner place where the Word of God dwells, empowering us to love and serve with grace.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.