(Photo courtesy: Jean-Mark Arkalian)
The Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of the Easter, John 21: 1-19, where Jesus appears to seven disciples and the special final conversation with Peter, the Apostle, is really fascinating and intriguing. The experience of the disciples of the Risen Jesus has something concretely to say to us in recognising the presence of God and of Jesus in our daily lives. To be an authentic and genuine disciple of Jesus it's not just to be "holy" or to be good but to have courage and boldness when the call comes to do uncomfortable and difficult things including ready to suffer. Thus sharing the suffering of Jesus we also share in his glory eternal.
Basically two things happen in the gospel narrative: Firstly, Jesus' appearance to his 7 disciples while fishing by the Sea of Tiberias. Secondly, Jesus having an intimate talk with Peter and giving a job of leading Jesus' mission with other disciples on this earth.
Disciples are back from Jerusalem to their native land of Galilee, from the city of God to the city of man, from the mountain of Calvary to the plateau of Galilee, from following the Rabbi Jesus to fishing in the sea.
Disciples being back in their homeland, Galilee, who loved fishing, go back to fishing, their first job, back to ordinary business. Looks like they have forgotten their skill as nets are empty in spite of whole night's labour and waiting. There they meet Risen Jesus in ordinary things, just like Jesus had called them for the first time, so too now, Jesus makes an appearance to them in person. However, for the moment in a different form after three years, since he met them mending their nets. Jesus meets them in the things they liked to do most, that is, fishing.
But the meeting with Jesus is now different from the last time. All the 7 disciples on the boat are frustrated, disappointed because they caught nothing. Desolated. depression is surrounded them after what has happened in Jerusalem. Whole night has been spent in the boat and now terribly tiered. The weariness has led them to silence. Hunger and thirst is eating their forlorn spirits. Their bodies are longing for sleep and rest. Hopelessness has surrounded in every inch of their boat, in a sense the world is closed. A deep sense of emptiness in their hearts and minds because their nets are empty; they are still waiting. In this drudgery and messiness the Risen Jesus meets them. Don’t you think it must have been such a beautiful experience to them?
Jesus also meets us in the things that we like most. The things that we do with great faith and consolation. Disciples had forgotten the words of Jesus: "Without me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). When we forget God, God remembers us and comes close to us. All the more, Jesus is present in those things that brings good for ourselves and others
In the symbolism of the gospels, the boat and those in it represent the church, the community in Christ. And it is this “beloved” disciple, who is particularly close to Jesus, who can recognise his presence. We too are called to lead others, and recognise God's presence and lead many more to him.
The second incident that takes place in that episode is Risen Jesus asking Peter a very touching question, an intimate question: "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Probably we do not like to hear a repeated question from our close friends or from the person whom we love most.
Firstly, that is emotional, and carries a sense of suspicion and apprehension. Moreover, this puts the person in awkward position.
Secondly, Jesus is asking a very serous question of following him; checks Peter's faithfulness. It is a reminder to Peter that he may not fail again. He was reluctant when Jesus wanted to wash his feet. He had denied Jesus already 3 times when he was caught by the elders and chief priests. Peter had already said to Jesus that even his other 11 disciples disowned him yet he would not. He would give his life to his master. Jesus also knows the earlier episodes of catching fish and when he recognised Jesus he had jumped into the sea, tried to imitate Jesus by walking on the water but failed miserably and was sinking and Jesus had saved him (Matthew: 14:30).
The first call of Peter at the Sea of Galilee while casting the net along with his brother Andrew becomes a reality now with those words of Jesus "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." (Mt 4:18-19). And now he has to "Feed my lambs" (John 21: 15-19). Peter's call turns into transforming leader giving a spirited leadership to his discouraged brothers and frustrated followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
The Easter experiences make the disciples bold, strong and faithful. There is nothing that can deter them or destroy their new found enthusiasm.
- Is Jesus present in our endeavours?
- Has the Lord’s presence made a difference in our lives?
- Am I ready to long for Jesus and embrace him in my frustrations, desolations, disappointments, emptiness, weariness, sleepiness, hopelessness, depression, tiredness, loneliness, hunger and thirst, waiting and fatigue?
A prayer to live by
Perhaps we could finish with the words of a prayer of Cardinal John Henry Newman (slightly adapted), which beautifully expresses what we have been considering:
Dear Jesus,
help me to spread your fragrance everywhere I go.
Flood my soul with your spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly
that all my life may be only a radiance of Yours.
Shine through me and be so in me
that every person I come in contact with
will feel your presence in me.
Let them look up and see,
not only me, but also Jesus.”
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
06 May 2019
2 comments:
words are powerful
good your reflections are very touching.
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