Third Sunday of Easter 

John 20:1- 19

Rev. Neli Miranda

 

The Gospels tell us of several accounts in which the risen Jesus reveals himself to his community of disciples, women & men. These accounts tell us about the diversity of Jesus’ community in the first century and the diverse leaderships that arose after his resurrection and his commission: Mary Magdalene, Simon-Peter, Thomas, and the beloved disciple among others. Each of them received the good news of the risen Jesus in a different way, and for some, it took some time to understand it and respond accordingly.

Today, we read John’s Gospel Chapter 21, which seems to be an addendum to the Gospel given that, in the previous chapter, the evangelist had closed his account with the manifestation of the risen Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the group of disciples who remained in hiding, and his mission for them to reconcile and restore the broken world.  However, it seems that the Johannine community decided to add this epilogue with beautiful memories and with some leaders as protagonists. The purpose of this text, first, is to reaffirm the active presence of the risen Jesus among his community, and then, the rehabilitation of those who have lost Jesus’ way, and their commissioning.

It seems that during the preceding manifestations of Jesus to his community, Jesus and Peter had not had a chance to speak personally and close the chapter of Peter denying Jesus three times during Jesus’ trial. (Notice that in this passage, Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him more than any other and anything.)  This passage tells us about Peter leading a group of disciples who have returned to Galilee. There, Peter decides to return to his old profession taking with him only some of Jesus’ disciples. Thus, he says, “I am going fishing.” And the others respond, “We will go with you.” So, they “Went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”(21,3).

It seems that Peter has organized his own plan without Jesus and with a fragmented community. The results are obvious, they caught nothing! Their mission failed!! Once again, amid a difficult time, the risen Jesus reveals himself to them just after daybreak; however, they do not recognize him. With a loving and paternal tone, Jesus addresses them and asks, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” In the face of their failure, Jesus now leads the mission, and commands them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” (21,5-6).  Jesus’ leadership leads them to succeed in catching many fish. In the face of this sign, only “the beloved disciple” recognizes Jesus and says to Peter, "It is the Lord!” Immediately, the impulsive Peter jumps into the sea to be first to reach the shore while the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish. It seems that Peter forgot that Jesus’ mission is accomplished as a community, not individually.

Meanwhile Jesus waits for them on the beach and has built a fire to prepare breakfast, and when they get to the shore, he asks them to bring some of the fish they just caught. Peter then, “went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish…” (21,11). Has Peter forgotten once again that Jesus’ mission is accomplished, not individually, but as a community?

After breakfast, it was time for Peter to talk with Jesus. During their conversation, Jesus uses a pedagogical approach to lead Peter to fully understand Jesus’ mission. He does not blame or shame Peter nor does he ask for his repentance. Instead, Jesus asks Peter three times “Do you love me?” not to remind him of his three-fold denial but to lead him to understand the meaning of loving Jesus fully, which is taking his mission to this world. This mission involves taking care of Jesus’ flock, both the lambs—the little ones—and the sheep. The dialogue reveals that it took a while for Peter to understand Jesus’s love and his mission; he has some difficulties understanding agape love, the highest form of love—the divine love that Jesus has revealed. However, Jesus knows Peter will understand it later and that Peter will be sacrificed by the Roman Empire in fulfilling Jesus’ mission.

Dear sisters and brothers, which role do we play in the resurrection accounts? The women who arise early? The fearful disciples who remain in hiding? Those who doubt? The one who denied Jesus three times? The beloved disciple who was close to Jesus?  Perhaps, we play a bit of each role? All, though in different ways, finally fulfilling Jesus’ mission. . . Thus, we have a chance today! There is hope!!

Sisters and brothers, May this new Easter bring us new encounters with the risen Jesus. May we be willing to learn more from Jesus’ love and his mission. May we carry out Jesus’ mission in our world, taking care of the lambs—the littles ones—and strengthening the sheep of Jesus’ flock. Amen.