Later, Jesus himself appeared again to his disciples at the Sea of
Tiberius. This is how it happened: Simon Peter, Thomas (called
Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two other
disciples were together. Simon Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.”
They said, “We’ll go with you.” They set out in a boat, but throughout
the night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the
shore, but the disciples didn’t realize it was Jesus. Jesus called to
them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him,
“No.” He said, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you
will find some.” So they did, and there were so many fish that they
couldn’t haul in the net. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to
Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard it was the Lord, he
wrapped his coat around himself (for he was naked) and jumped into the
water. The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net full
of fish, for they weren’t far from shore, only about one hundred yards.
When they landed, they saw a fire there, with fish on it, and some
bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you’ve just
caught.” Simon Peter got up and pulled the net to shore. It was full of
large fish, one hundred fifty-three of them. Yet the net hadn’t torn,
even with so many fish. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”
None of the disciples could bring themselves to ask him, “Who are you?”
They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to
them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus
appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. John 21:1-14 (CEB)
We encounter the risen Christ in the midst of the life of the disciples. I am always intrigued with this passage because Peter says, "I'm going fishing." A man ... who was a fisherman in his "former" life, who had become a follower of Christ while he was walking on earth and who is now struggling to become an apostle of Christ (which means one who is sent by Christ) after his death and resurrection, this simple man attempts to return to something familiar and comfortable and enjoyable. Yet he is returning not just to a once-upon-a-time hobby but to his former vocation, the work which made him feel valued and successful as a younger man.
So once again in the face of the unknown... the fisherman go where they know ... they go fishing. And the fish weren't biting! Wow! Fishermen who can't catch fish. It's enough to make you want to abandon your boat altogether! Well it happens doesn't it? We try and we try but we just can't get it ... until one day we do. This may be the story of Peter's life ... and mine, too. Is it your story as well?
I think many of us tend to do this after we feel failure. We retreat
into what we know in the face of the unknown. At least I do. It helps
me to get my bearings and ground myself. What about Peter and his friends. Even though Jesus had made "appearances" to the them in recent
days it was not necessarily in visibly recognizable forms. They were
being led to "know" the presence of Jesus in more subtle ways. I think
this also happens to me. It seems the closer I get to God, the more
subtle God's movements are in my life. It is an invitation to let go and "lean in," to listen and to follow more deeply into the unknown.
When you are ready to let go and lean into our focus verses for Lectio Divina, take a few moments to center yourself by engaging in a simple breath prayer (6-8 syllables) like this one (or one that emerges from within yourself)
Breathe in ... Risen Christ (pause)
Breathe out ... I love you (pause)
Then pray for illumination of the text: Risen Lord Christ, open my heart to the power of your resurrection. As read the words of Scripture, walk with me and allow me to receive the Holy Spirit so I might live in grace and peace, within myself and with others. Amen.
John 21:15-19 (CEB)
Step 1: Lectio … Reading
Read the passage silently to yourself, slowly and reverently, letting the words steep in your mind.
Listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention. Gently focus on that word or phrase. Repeat it several times and allow it to be sifted through your heart and mind all the way to your soul.
When they finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” He asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was sad that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He replied, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.”
Step 2: Meditatio/Meditation … Receiving
Read the passage a 2nd time ...
Continue to focus on your word or phrase (it may be different on this reading)
Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings the passage evokes within you.
What images emerge in your imagination? What memories come to your mind?
Ask God to continue to speak to you through this word.
Listen for God’s reply as you move through your day
Step 3: Oratio/Prayer … Responding
Consider any desires that have been awakened by your prayer.
Perhaps you have found an area of your life that needs attention.
Do not rush ... wait and listen as God forms your prayers and desires
Step 4: Contempatio/Contemplative Silence … Resting
Allow yourself to rest in the silence. Allow your mind to settle into the silence.
When you feel the time to move on ...
Pray … Risen Christ! I love you. Help me to express that love by reaching out to people in your Name. Help me to love others in the same way you have loved me. Help me see others as you see them. Help me always to follow you! Amen.
If music and/or art are pathways to God for you, this is a good translation (with lyrics) of a Spanish Song called Pescador de Hombres on youtube ... although I learned it in a slightly different translation, this one is O Lord you have come to the Seashore. The illustrations change with each lyric and they are very beautiful! It is well worth your time and musical/visual reflection ...
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