Friday of Easter Week

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041312.cfm

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way.

This is a peculiar story, tagged onto the Gospel of Saint John by another author. This deutero-Evangelist tells us it was the third of Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearances. But he does not say when it happened. We might assume it occurred within the forty days between Easter and the Ascension. That fits our Church calendar well enough, but in those earliest days of the Church the liturgical calendar was not yet set in stone. It might have been years later.

The disciples seem dispirited. What are they doing? Have they gathered for prayer and to reignite their enthusiasm? Are they pondering where to go from here? They seem idle.

One fellow says, “I’m going fishing!” and they all hop aboard. Is this just a fishing vacation? Fishing in the 21^st century is often a leisure sport. In those days it was more often work. Have some of them abandoned their ministry and reverted to their original profession?

Clearly, they have some questions. Peter will ask Jesus, “What about him?” meaning the Beloved Disciple. Perhaps some of the eye-witnesses of the resurrection have died and they’re wondering about the apparent delay of Jesus’ Second Coming. Peter seems to ask, “Will he survive until then, or must all of us perish before that day?” He might even be asking, "Are you ever coming back?" Typically, Jesus’ answer is ambivalent.

The story of a great catch of fish recalls Saint Luke’s story of a similar incident during Jesus’ earthly career. On that occasion Saint Peter found his calling, even as he knelt before Jesus, up to his elbows in still-flopping fish.

The story then becomes a renewal of Peter’s calling, especially because he alone took a stroll with Jesus and reconfirmed his love. The “charcoal fire” recalls Peter’s betrayal:

Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.

The thrice repeated question also recalls Peter’s denial. That pattern of three indicates intensity. Three denials are final! It will take three questions and three solemn declarations of love and fidelity to undo the denials.

This story of a quiet appearance of Jesus among his dispirited disciples, and of their renewed dedication reminds us of our ever-flagging zeal and the constant need we have for recommitment. More importantly, it reminds us that Jesus has not and will not abandon us. He will be there for us even when we wander off to go fishing.