forgiven restored commissioned

The 3rd Sunday of Easter and the Roman Catholic Lectionary contains texts which bring forgiveness, restoration and commission to Peter, the disciples and believers today. In his weekly reflection, Larry Gillick, S.J. comments that we always want to be at our best when we face others , particularly if we feel sheepish or reticent about the encounter as a result of some forgiveness we may need for tasks undone or thoughts not expressed or considerations omitted. Peter was one of those who publically betrayed Jesus. His attempt to “turn back the clock” by returning to his former life were fruitless. He knew and his being resonated at the realization that “it is the Lord”. The reconciliation is so sweet. The commission is the restoration of the relationship. It is the return to that truly meaningful fishery of humanity which will engulf many in the net of Jesus love. The setting for this event is a breakfast on the beach. These times and places remain powerful touchstones for the meeting of creature and Creator. The ‘breaking of bread” continues to be the inspired sign or sacrament that is the reality of the intimacy, the essentialness of the nutrition and the simplicity which the Divine becomes Present.