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Ordinary Time · Year C

Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Vigil

June 29, 2028

Christ's Charge to Peter, Raphael
Christ's Charge to Peter, Raphael, c. 1515–1516Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Raphael Cartoons)
One of the Sistine tapestry cartoons. Christ points to a flock of sheep with one hand and at Peter with the other, while the rest of the apostles crowd behind in a single packed row.Feed my sheep: the reading is the three questions and the commission, and Raphael painted the instruction being given.RaphaelRaphael Sanzio of Urbino (1483-1520), the youngest of the three who defined the High Renaissance. He died on Good Friday at thirty-seven.Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Raphael Cartoons)The Raphael Cartoons belong to the Crown and have hung in a purpose-built gallery at the V&A since 1865, where they can be seen at the scale they were drawn.Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Raphael Cartoons)
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 21:15-19Jn 21:15-19
Second ReadingGal. 1:11-20Gal 1:11-20
First ReadingActs 3:1-10
Responsorial PsalmPs. 19:2-3, 4-5 (5a)Ps 19:2-3, 4-5 (5a)

Overview & Insights

"Feed my sheep." (John 21:17)

By the Sea of Tiberias the risen Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him, and three times commissions him to tend and feed the flock. He then foretells the death by which Peter will glorify God and calls him again to follow.

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Take it further: John 21:15-19

Commentary

John 21 CommentaryJn 21 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Covers the restoration of Peter and the threefold question.

John 21:15 CommentariesJn 21:15 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators on Jesus' question to Peter.

John 21 (Barnes' Notes)Jn 21 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight

Detailed notes on the shoreline meeting and commission.

John 21 CommentaryJn 21 Commentary Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse word study of Peter's restoration.

John 21:15 InterlinearJn 21:15 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek interlinear, including the agape/phileo verb shift.

Background & Word Study

John Overview (Ch. 13-21)Jn Overview (Ch. 13-21) BibleProject

Places the epilogue within John's larger literary design.

The Church Fathers

John 21Jn 21 Catena

Patristic comments gathered on Peter's restoration.

Homily 88 on the Gospel of JohnHomily 88 on the Gospel of Jn New Advent · Church Fathers

Chrysostom reads the threefold question as Peter's commission to shepherd.

Sermons & Reflections

You Know Everything Journey with Jesus

Reflects on Jesus meeting Peter's shame with restoration and call.

Art & Music

Third Sunday of Easter, Year C (John 21:1-19)Third Sunday of Easter, Year C (Jn 21:1-19) Vanderbilt

Curated artwork depicting the lakeside meeting and Peter's commission.

Study Hub

John 21:1-19Jn 21:1-19 Textweek

Broad index of further resources on this passage.

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