Word to the Wise
Friday, April 25, 2014 - Octave of Easter - Fri
[Acts 4:1-12 and John 21:1-14]Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish.
Breakfast with Jesus on the beach! It is quite a scene, but we should expect great "scenes" from the Gospel of John! However, the last chapter of John, from which this passage is taken, is called by scripture scholars the "Johannine Appendix!" It seems to have been "added on" by a final editor and composed from various elements of the traditions available to the evangelist(s). There is the usual initial non-recognition of Jesus (ask Mary Magdalen), a miraculous catch of fish (ask the evangelist, Luke: 5:1-11], the impetuous behavior of Peter (ask any evangelist), the feeding with fish and bread (Where did those come from? Check all four gospels!). It is all very skillfully blended to create a new scene from familiar ingredients. We get the first part of it today, but I recommend reading the whole scene because the dramatic three-fold questioning of Peter takes place after breakfast!
'Breakfast on the Beach' is a tremendous way to encourage despondent disciples to recognize that Jesus has not abandoned them and that they can do great things if they put their trust in him. He will demand their total love, even from someone who denied him three times - Peter! He will convince the skeptics like Thomas and Nathanael! The final chapter of the Gospel of John is like a new piece of music composed of familiar melodies and yet blends with the bigger composition to which it is attached! We are all invited to attend. Don't forget to bring your fish! AMEN