Friday in the Octave of Easter

After the resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples . Did Jesus not look like himself after his resurrection? Did his God nature transform his appearance? Why is it that they persist in not recognizing him? Especially in today's reading. There is something more at work here than merely not believing what they're seeing. It says no one dared ask him who he was, because they knew it was the Lord. Did he look different they should even wonder who it is?

It's possible, according to the NAB footnotes, that the entire chapter is an addition, but an early one because it appears in all the earliest copies of John. That is based on the style of Greek used in the chapter that seems to point more to a Lukan origin. Also, they mention the similiarities to Jesus original calling of Peter, etc. And all that is very interesting but not very informative on a strictly spiritual level. Then again, that's not the job of footnotes, now is it? Of course not, it is the job of individual Lectio.

The following are an outline of paths for reflection. No internal cohesion is implied.

The dramatic impact of John 21:1-14, is the exquisite structure of the scene. After a night of fishing without success, the group approach the shore where a man is standing. He asks them if they caught anything. "No." So this man says to put the nets out on the right side of the boat, and they catch 153 fish. At this point, the "disciple Jesus loved," says to Peter. "It is the Lord."

Before going any further, I can easily imagine how they heard the man's voice, and had to have thought there was something familiar about that voice. Then that surprising catch of fish! Peter must already be peering toward the stranger on the shore when John turns to him and says, "it is the Lord." Take a moment, to savor that moment. The water lapping against the boat, the heaviness of the catch in the net; and the slow dawning of awareness.

Peter leaps out of the boat. Now, the story does not say why he did that, or even that he arrived on shore before the others. Still, the event is related to us for a reason. Early in literary studies one learns that there is no such thing as an innocent narrator, or comment. If something is relayed to you in a story, it is important. Now we are free to ask Peter: why did you jump out of the boat? Did you begin to pull the boat ashore so they could all arrive more quickly? Could the excitement you felt not be contained?

And onshore sits Jesus, with a fire, fish and bread, and it's all hot! Ready to eat! They've worked all night and here is breakfast. He, the Lord of their future glory, and the Lord of the catch less nights, is waiting for them with a hot breakfast. Food is very important to Jesus everywhere in the gospels. Why? Perhaps because the simple act of having hot food ready for someone who is tired and discouraged, is an act of love. It shows that the preparer, and the one prepared for, are in a cycle of love. May we all be in a cycle of love with one another, and with Jesus. Amen.