Will you Love me?

As I reflect on the Gospel for this Sunday (John 21:1-19), there are two things that jump out immediately at me: (1) we are living a life with “poor” fisherman and (2) there are two nameless disciples who get in the boat to go fishing with the apostles.

Like the story in Luke, John recounts that the men went fishing and though they had laboured through the night, they had caught nothing. On the edge of things, it looks like the fishermen aren’t very good at their work. They had a “waterhaul”. They throw the net in and all they draw from the lake is water. No fish.  But then there is this figure on the beach and after discovering that they had no fish, tells them to throw the nets on the other side of the boat. This was a common thing on the Lake, to have someone on a beach direct the nets. More importantly though, through listening there was a catch. And because there was a catch, there was joy and there was food for others to eat. Most importantly, the net as filled with a great number of fish and yet the net did not break.

Obedience is not an accident. Obedience, learning to hear to know what to do and when to do it is essential, whether it is fishing or it is working to build up a community of the Church through preaching and caring for people so that they can see Jesus. In hearing and experiencing the catch, they recognize who Jesus is because they have been through it before. They have caught fish and nearly sank two boats. And while that was important, in the moment they all knew Jesus. They knew that they knew it was him. Then Peter does an odd thing. He gets fully dressed to greet Jesus and then without waiting for the boat to make the beach, Peter dives into the lake and swims for shore leaving his companions to shoulder the load of bringing the catch in, sorting it out and counting it. Peter greets Jesus sopping wet  but fully clothed. Then the disciples are invited to bring something of what they have been blessed with and to share it in the meal that Jesus has prepared for them over the fire.

Have you ever stopped to consider the purpose of that meal and gathering?  Did you ever consider what Jesus and Simon Peter talked about as they watched the others finish dealing with the catch?  “Peter, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord. You know that I am fond of you.”                      

“Feed my lambs.”

“Peter, do you love me?”                                                             

“Yes Lord, we are friends and I am fond of you”

“Shepherd my sheep.”                                                                  

“Peter, do you really love me?”

“Lord, you know it all. You know that we are friends and that I am really fond of you.”   

“Feed my sheep.”

The reconciliation was not just for Peter with Jesus, it was to make clear to the witnesses that Peter was restored to his position and ministry for what lay ahead. Peter wasn't just restored, he was given back to be effective amongst his brothers in terms of ministry and leadership in the community. Peter has been supported, supplied and sent by Jesus.

Where does this leave you and me? Imagine us as those two disciples. We have been blessed through the support of those around us including Jesus. We have been supplied with what we need for the ministry that we need to fulfill in this community. We have been sent by the Master to make disciples and baptize and teach the lambs and guard each other against the wolves and other dangers.

Do you love Jesus enough to put what you say you believe to the test? Will you live the love you have within you for Christ and with others? Will you agapaos Jesus in others?

Jason+