May 1 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
(Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19)
The scene in today's Gospel is a surreal contrast to the life-changing events that just concluded in Jerusalem, including the death and resurrection of Jesus. As Jesus directed them after his resurrection, they return to Galilee. This return to their home base would have been a welcome change from the animosity they experienced at the hands of the Jewish officials and the Romans in Jerusalem. It is not surprising that Peter and his fishermen friends return to their old job – fishing. A quiet break to a more familiar life would give them time to process their feelings on what they had just gone through. But after a while Jesus comes to them again on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias. They do not recognize him as he greets them with small talk, essentially asking “How's the fishing?” Then when Jesus' suggestion of casting the net over the right side brings them a huge catch of fish, John recognizes Jesus, and so does Peter who impetuously jumps in the water to come to Jesus on the shore. The other disciples take the more conventional approach of coming to shore in the boat. We can imagine their sharing a breakfast of fish and bread in peace and quiet, like good friends, comfortable with one another's company. It is in this time of peace and quiet that Jesus asks Peter three times to feed and care for his flock. Each time Peter agrees. Peter seems frustrated that Jesus keeps asking over and over again. But with this triple profession of devotion, Peter is given a chance to redeem himself after his triple denial of Jesus on the night of Jesus' trial. This is just the sort of reconciliation with the Lord that Peter needs to feel truly forgiven. Now that Peter is strengthened in his resolve, Jesus indicates the sort of trials that await him at the hands of men, as he carries out his mission. The apostles transition from lying low in Galilee to boldly proclaiming the Gospel back in Jerusalem, as we see in today's first reading from the book of Acts. Knowing Jesus brought about quite an about-face in their outlook.