THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

04 May 2025

NOTES ON THE READINGS

Introduction

“We must protect creation for it is a gift which the Lord has given us, it is
God’s present to us; we are the guardians of creation. When we exploit
creation, we destroy that sign of God’s love. To destroy creation is to say to
God: “I don’t care”. And this is not good: this is sin.” Pope Francis
As the world gathered to lay Pope Francis to rest we give thanks for his
leadership, making the link between creation and faith and challenging
the church to take action. May his memories be a blessing and an
inspiration to us all.

Acts 9:1–20 – Creation, Conversion, and Community Renewal

In Acts 9, Saul’s dramatic conversion on the Damascus road is often read as
a story of personal transformation. But seen through a creation care lens, it
also reveals how God disrupts destructive systems to bring healing not just
to individuals, but to entire communities and environments harmed by
violence and injustice.

Saul, as a persecutor, represents forces of domination—systems that crush
dissent and destroy lives. These same forces are often the root causes of
environmental degradation in poor communities today: corporations,
militarism, and political powers that exploit land and labour. Saul's
blindness symbolizes how such systems are blind to their impact—on
people, land, and God’s creation.

When Saul is struck down, he is led by others—a humbling reversal of
power. His healing comes through Ananias, a believer who initially fears
him. This encounter models a restored community where enemies
become brothers, and where reconciliation brings new vision. God's call to
Saul is not only for spiritual mission but for embodying a new way of
living—no longer destroying, but building up life. The values of the so-
called ‘developed nations’ have led to this destruction. It is time to listen to
the younger generation, to the indigenous voices, to those who live closer
to the land and the oceans.

Creation care here means confronting the “Sauls” in our world—systems
that pollute water, displace families, and abuse workers—and working
toward their transformation. It also means being open to our own
transformation, allowing God to open our eyes to our role in caring for
others and the earth.

In this passage, God interrupts destruction with grace. Creation care
begins with that same grace: seeing anew, healing together, and
proclaiming life where there was once death.

Revelation 5:11–14 – “All Creation worships you “
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as the Lord;
all creation worships you,
the Father everlasting.

The opening words of the Te Deum or Song of the Church remind us that
it is not just humans that make up the worshipping community – it is the
whole of creation. 

This passage from Revelation lifts the curtain on a majestic scene of
worship in heaven. Countless angels, living creatures, and elders join in
praise to the Lamb—Christ—declaring Him worthy of power, wealth,
wisdom, and strength. What does this mean for creation care and
environmental degradation?

First, the scale of the worship is cosmic: “every creature in heaven and on
earth and under the earth and in the sea” joins in. Creation itself is a
worshiper. The earth and its creatures have voices in God's court. This
challenges a worldview that sees nature as merely “resource” to be used.
Instead, it is sacred, living, and included in the praise of God.

For communities facing environmental injustice—polluted air, undrinkable
water, deforestation—this is profound. Their suffering is not unnoticed in
heaven. God’s vision includes all creation, not just the powerful or wealthy.
And the Lamb who was slain is at the center—suggesting that power in
God's kingdom is not domination, but sacrificial love.

The Lamb’s victory is not just spiritual—it restores cosmic balance.
Environmental abuse often stems from greed and exploitation (v.12:
"worthy… to receive power and wealth…"). But true worship redirects these
toward God, not self. Worship, then, is resistance. It reorders value systems
and calls us to steward, not exploit.

In communities where survival often overshadows sustainability, this
passage offers dignity and vision. It affirms that all creatures matter and
that small acts of care—planting a tree, protecting a river, advocating for
clean neighbourhoods—are part of cosmic worship.

Creation care here is not optional; it's woven into worship. As we sing,
serve, and work for justice, we join the heavenly chorus. Caring for the
earth and one another is not a side task—it is central to honouring the
Lamb who redeems all creation.

John 21:1–19 – Feeding my sheep

John 21 presents the resurrected Jesus meeting his disciples by the Sea of
Galilee. After a night of fruitless fishing, Jesus provides abundance—both in
fish and in fellowship. This is a deeply ecological and communal story,
especially relevant for communities facing economic hardship.

The disciples return to labour they know—fishing—perhaps to sustain
themselves. Jesus doesn’t scold them; instead, He meets them in their
need. The miraculous catch (v.6) shows that creation, when aligned with
divine wisdom, can yield abundance. But note: they listen to Jesus before
the nets fill. It reminds us that sustainable harvest depends on divine
direction, not just effort or exploitation.

The fire on the beach (v.9), with fish and bread already prepared, speaks of
hospitality and provision. Jesus not only provides food—He invites the
disciples to bring what they have caught. This mutual sharing is a model
for eco-justice: God provides, but we are invited to participate, not hoard. In
struggling communities, food insecurity is common. Here, Jesus says,
“Come and eat” (v.12)—a radical invitation to the table of dignity.

Then comes Peter’s restoration. Three times Jesus asks, “Do you love me?”
And three times, He commands: “Feed my sheep.” Love is expressed not in
private devotion but in tangible care—feeding, tending, nurturing.
Creation care is part of this calling. Feeding God’s sheep means ensuring
that land, water, and ecosystems can support life.

Finally, Jesus tells Peter he will be led where he does not want to go (v.18).
Creation care often leads us into costly places—challenging systems,
sacrificing convenience, enduring resistance. But Jesus walks ahead of us.

In this passage, the sea, the meal, and the mission all point to integrated
care—of people, ecosystems, and communities. It reminds us: resurrection
is not escape from the world, but a renewed call to serve and protect it.