April 10, 2016
3rd Sunday of Easter
Why would the disciples go fishing after the trauma of the crucifixion and death of Jesus? Fishing is something they know how to do. They are home at the Sea of Galilee. It is familiar. Are they hoping to start over again? Perhaps it is just a bad dream. They catch no fish! But the Risen One, unrecognized on the shore, directs them to lower the net on the right side of the boat. They make a great catch. The Beloved Disciple realizes that “It is the Lord.†Peter jumps in and then hauls the net loaded with fish ashore. Jesus invites them to have breakfast with him. What is happening? Bonds of fellowship are restored. Peter expresses his love for Jesus “in front of the guys.†The office of Good Shepherd is once again entrusted to Peter as Jesus commissions Peter to “Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep.†Jesus knows that Peter is frightened of what may come. “When you were younger you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not wish to go.†Jesus is predicting the kind of death Peter, as a good shepherd, will endure. The last words spoken by the Risen Lord are addressed to Peter: “Follow me.â€
All of us who are pastors (parents, teachers, nurses, first responders, grandparents, coaches & ministers) should re-read this exchange between Jesus and Peter where love for Jesus is expressed in sacrificial care for the well-being of others. “Pastor†is from the Latin word “to shepherd.†Martin Luther King Jr. (preacher and pastor) was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He was participating in a garbage collectors strike in Memphis, Tennessee. These are his words in a sermon the night before he died: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.â€
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2nd Sunday of Easter
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4th Sunday of Easter
