In today's Gospel we learn about how Jesus appeared to his apostles a third time after his resurrection. This time on the shores of Galilea while the apostles were fishing. He restores the confidence of Peter who is downtrodden.
Father in heaven we praise and glorify you. We thank you for bringing us together for this Children's Liturgy lesson. Please send us the Holy Spirit and fill us with peace, love, and wisdom. Help us to understand the lesson you have for us today. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples again. This time, it happened by the Sea of Galilee. Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter said, 'I'm going fishing.' The others said, 'We'll go with you.' So they went out in the boat, but they didn't catch any fish all night.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn't realize it was Him. Jesus called out, 'Friends, haven't you any fish?' 'No,' they answered. He said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because it was so full of fish.
Then John said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!' As soon as Peter heard this, he wrapped his outer garment around him and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said, 'Bring some of the fish you have just caught.' Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn.
Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.' None of the disciples dared ask Him, 'Who are you?' They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.
After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter, 'Do you love me more than these?' Peter said, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus asked, 'Do you love me?' Peter answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' The third time Jesus said, 'Do you love me?' Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time. He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my sheep.'
Source: Catholic Kids Media. (2020). Revelation! Easter 3C https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqHx4uon9_w
What did Jesus tell the disciples to do with their net?
Jesus told the disciples to throw their net on the right side of the boat to catch fish.
How did the disciples know it was Jesus?
John recognized Jesus and told Peter, 'It is the Lord!' Then they all knew it was Jesus.
What did Jesus do for the disciples when they came ashore?
Jesus made breakfast for the disciples with fish and bread.
Why did Jesus ask Peter if he loved Him three times?
Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times to show how important it was for Peter to take care of His followers, like a shepherd takes care of sheep. He was also giving Peter a chance to redeem himself for the three times he denied Jesus on the night of His passion.
How can we show our love for Jesus?
We can show our love for Jesus by helping others, being kind, and sharing His love with everyone.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for showing us your love and mercy. Help us to have the courage to start over again when we fall and to turn to you for help to get back up and try again. We ask this in your name. Amen.
Source: Copilot. (2025). A campfire with fish and bread [large language model].
