Breakfast of New Life

Jesus said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"--John 21:17

The story of Easter continues in John Chapter 21, where seven of the disciples have returned to Galilee and, not knowing what to do with themselves, go back to fishing (life as they had known it befroe becoming disciples).  In spite of Jesus' rising, their failure on Maunday Thursday and Good Friday continues to weigh heavy upon them.  After they experience a fruitless night of fishing, the risen Christ calls to them from the seashore.

Jesus prepares breakfast for his beloved disciples on a charcoal fire.  We might be reminded that when Peter denied Jesus three times in the high priest's courtyard, it was as he was warming himself  by a charcoal fire. And the large catch of fish reminds us of Luke Chapter 5, the calling of the first disciples, where Jesus led the empty disciples into the deep water ffor th gratest catch they have ever had.  John is suggsting that past and present are powerfully connected.  Memory allows possibility.

Rather than trying to forget his failure (Peter couldn't forget even if he tried!) , Jesus will join Peter in working through that painful history so that he--and they--can begin anew.   Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him.   Peter responds with "Yes, you know I love you" three times--and he is surely telling the truth. Jesus reminds Peter that love is something we DO; not just something we feel.  He wants Peter to love the other "lambs"  in the way that Jesus has loved Peter; to tend to them, to nourish them, to stand by them.  Loving Jesus means loving God' people!

Peter will have learned from his own experience.  Learning, especially from failure, is a huge part of discipleship.  God's love never fails, so even painful lessons in our lives  become part of the larger story of fulfillment, community, and the victory of God's love over death.