Acts 5:27-32,40-41; Ps 29 (30); Ap 5:11-14; Jh 21:1-19
Obey God First
Dear friends, today is the third Sunday of Easter. We continue to witness the risen Lord through his manifestations to his disciples. Since Easter Sunday, the readings from the Acts of the Apostles show the disciples of Jesus, led by Peter and John, doing what Jesus instructed them—spreading the Good News of his resurrection. The Gospel readings continue to talk about Jesus’ manifestations to his disciples after the resurrection.
In the first reading, Peter and John demonstrate incredible courage before the Sanhedrin as far as obedience to God is concerned. The same Peter denied having anything to do with Jesus the prisoner, a few weeks ago. Peter was a good person with leadership characteristics, though he was weak when faced with difficulties. Peter was always very quick to come out when there was a need. He thought less about the matter at hand before jumping into it. Just before he denied knowing Jesus, Peter had vowed even to give his own life for him (Jn 13:37). Later, his fear would overwhelm him, and he could not persevere or act.
John was a quiet and contemplative person. Sometimes he is identified as the disciple whom Jesus loved the most. On many occasions, John is found to save the situation, though he did not want to be in the limelight. He was a very humble person, and he recognized Peter’s position despite his weaknesses. He played a big role in shaping Peter’s ministry. He was always at his side to support him. On the morning of the resurrection, when the two ran to the tomb at the news that it was empty, John ran faster than Peter, but upon reaching the tomb, he did not enter until Peter arrived (Jh 20:4).
During the first days of preaching the resurrection, Peter and John are always seen together. Unlike Peter, who deserted Jesus at the hour he needed him most, John accompanied Peter even in Prison and on many occasions was beaten together. He never undermined Peter’s authority as the leader of the disciples but always played his subordinate role very well. How many of us today undermine, gossip about, and orchestrate the weaknesses of our leaders and superiors to look better than them so that we may take their positions?
In the Gospel today, Peter tells the other disciples that he is going to fish. Recognizing his position in the community, the other disciples volunteered to go with him. They went to fish in the dark just as they used to do before they met Jesus and became his disciples.
We are told that that night the disciples caught no fish. It was at dawn when Jesus appeared to them at the shore, just as he had the first time when he called them to be his disciples. The disciples did not recognize him until the miraculous catch of fish. John recognized that it was “the Lord” and alerted Peter first.
Frustrated that their master was no longer with them, Peter led the other disciples back to their previous trade, which was to seek fish in the darkness. People with authority must be very careful lest they lead those under them astray or into darkness. So many people are being misled by their religious and spiritual leaders. Marriages, families, friendships, relationships, and businesses continue to fall because of falsehoods preached from the pulpits. Jesus appears and demonstrates to them that their mission was no longer to catch fish in darkness but to spread the Good News in the light; therefore, the miraculous catch of fish in broad daylight was very unusual for the fishermen.
Later, as Jesus restored the hope of the disciples, he also restored Peter’s dignity because he was still naked – ashamed after the denial and betrayal when Jesus needed him most. By asking him three times if he loved him, Jesus helps Peter to recognize his own value as his disciple despite his weaknesses. Jesus did not drop him behind because he was weak; he rather strengthened him to become the head of the Church. In politics, people become very impatient at the slightest weakness of the leaders they elect, instead of helping them to perform better. Many deputies never help their superiors but use their position to get the top seat. If the one you deputize fails, you failed first in your role to support him or her.
Dear friends, there is a lot we can learn from Peter and John. Like John, we are all invited to play our dutiful roles without excessive ambitions to surpass our superiors. We must even cover their weaknesses. Having more knowledge and skills than your boss does not mean that you have the right to take his or her position. It means that you must compliment him or her. Like Peter, we do not forfeit our leadership positions because we have some weaknesses, but rather seek help and support from people who are even better than we are. Jesus teaches us to uplift those who believe in us and not to victimize them because of their weakness.
Have a blessed Sunday
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 