Fishing for answers

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today open the opportunity to reflect on the mission of followers of Jesus today. The Acts of the Apostles tells of the appearance of Peter and John before Sanhedrin in response to the healing done to the lame man at the Temple. We do not often take the opportunity, like Peter, to attribute the changes we witness in the lives of people to the healing action of Christ in our midst. The proclamation that the stone rejected is often the one used by God to rebuild relationships by modeling Jesus in selflessness, forgiveness and mercy is the demonstration of the steadfast love of God praised by the psalmist. The Gospel of John, and this Chapter 21 noted by Friar Jude Winkler as a likely addition by a disciple of the 'beloved disciple', is rich with image and symbol. The apostles have returned to Galilee. The next big leap we are asked to encounter in life is often preceded by a pause to build up strength. We may long to return to the more peaceful and predictable patterns of our Galilee. In fact, the lack of success of the "retiring" fishermen may indicate that they are not called to be patient, predictable and peaceful. "It is the Lord" is the call to action from the beloved disciple and the impetuous Peter is confused, clumsy and committed. The Resurrected Lord appears this third time in John's Gospel. He is not recognized by His physical appearance but by His call to action and the example of the need to begin the fishing for people, all 153 species! Sitting in the boat? No activity all night? Someone telling you how to do your business? Could be the Lord? Go have breakfast and begin to get some answers.