Although this is a great fish story, the focus of this gospel is on Peter and his reconciliation with Jesus. Before meeting Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias, Peter was ready to return to his safe and familiar old job. However, Jesus had other plans for Peter. He gently challenges Peter offering him a new life as a nurturing shepherd tending God’s sheep. Having witnessed the touchable reality of the Resurrected Christ and experienced healing through Jesus' loving forgiveness and reconciliation, Peter gains the strength and courage he needs to take up his new mission.
The contrast between the Peter in today's gospel and the Peter we hear about in our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles is dramatic. Peter has experienced a real conversion. The man who denied Jesus three times and cowered in a locked room after the crucifixion is now confronting the people he feared. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter is curing sick people and challenging the Sanhedrin, “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him” ( Acts 5:30–32).
We too have the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ every time we come to Mass and participate in the sacraments. Like Peter, we can experience Jesus’ healing power of forgiveness and reconciliation. We can share a meal with Jesus in the Eucharist and experience the full meaning of sacrificial love. Finally, Jesus asks us the same question he asked Peter, “Do you love me”? Let us pray that through our experience of the Risen Christ we have the strength and courage to say, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you” and follow Jesus wherever He may lead us.
God our Father,
how different and how much richer our life would be
if we were more aware of the presence
of your risen Son Jesus among us.
Give us enough love and faith to see him
inspiring and guiding
our community
on the road of compassion and justice.
Make us feel his presence
when we are toiling and struggling as if in vain.
Make us recognize him as a guest
in our homes and at our family meals.
Make us fully aware that he is among us
when we meet for prayer and the Eucharist.
For then we will be strong and joyful
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
