Fourth Sunday in Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

             If the gospel story sounds familiar, that’s because it is. It’s a lot like the story of the miraculous catch of fish: The apostles fish all night, catch nothing, and then at Jesus’ intervention come up with a huge haul. Bread and fish provide nourishment and reveal Christ—which had happened before.  At Jesus’ empty tomb, the beloved disciple recognized what was going on before Peter but deferred to him. For his part Peter reacts as impulsively as he had done before. Now, instead of trying to walk on water toward his Lord, he dove in. The chief apostle got to make good his denials and lack of belief in Jesus’ promises: In the gospel he professes his love and in Acts he holds fast to his faith while under the persecution Jesus had predicted for him.

            "Follow me.” These are the first words the disciples ever heard Jesus say to them and they’re the last two words of today’s gospel. But so much has happened since the first time those words were spoken! Jesus makes it clear to Peter and the other disciples that they will follow him. Following Jesus is the call of all Christians. What does it mean to follow the Lord? The prophet Micah puts it simply: To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (6:8). Unsure you’re equal to the task? Take small steps each day—acknowledge a mistake, forgive an offense, let go of an argument. Soon light will shine from you. Jesus asks Peter not just for words of love: Jesus asks for a devotion that translates into deeds of leadership, service and care. He asks for the absolute surrender Peter thought he was giving the first time—before he read the fine print on the contract. Now when Peter answers, his response is complete and meaningful.

            What strikes me about the Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances is how he pops up in ordinary places. On a walk to Emmaus, in an upper room and now on a beach. That is the secret of God’s grace—Jesus appears in the ordinary places of our lives. Not in thunderbolts, majesty, or in great pronouncements. Jesus reached out to the disciples in their need as he does with us in the normal things of life. When we understand this, we will know why the early Christians were fascinated with this fish story and why they chose the fish as the ancient symbol of Jesus. Something ordinary and plentiful—a symbol of life. God continues to help us recognize Jesus. William James wrote: Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. Nourished by his word, by his Body and Blood, we too are transformed by the risen Jesus.

Change… change… change..    

Father William