THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, C
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FIGHTING ON
The gospel today surprises us
with the action of Peter and the apostles, in particular with Peter. After the Crucifixion, we first meet
Peter fishing again. He quit
fishing some years back to join the band of Jesus’ apostles. Now, he is back where he began.
We see here the weak spot of
Peter, and our own. Disappointed, disillusioned, we tend to give up or
surrender. We would rather turn back than move forward. We seek former comfort than blaze new
trails.
It was on a fishing trip that
Peter met Jesus and saw his power some years back. The miraculous catch of fish
convinced him to abandon his nets and become a fisher of men, as Jesus
suggested. But now, he is back out
on the sea, to resume his interrupted business.
How many times we fall in the
same trap. When we are sad, confused, afraid or clueless as to what the future
holds, many of us decide to retreat to the former, more comfortable lives we
had before.
Jesus however, is a persistent
God. He teaches us courage. He give us hope. He revives our dreams and empowers
us to move forward. That is why he
visited Peter again, in the same situation where they met before. This time, he
invites Peter out of his comfort zone, his fear and reluctance. He pushes him to commit to something
better, bolder, mightier. And Peter says yes again, but this time, a more
determined yes, an unbending assent, a heroic dedication unti the end.
This Easter time, do we see
ourselves turning back from the path of goodness, progress, adventure or glory
that Jesus has already envisioned us to have? Just because of a set-back, are
we willing to let go of the promises yet to unfold?
Jesus finds us where he found us
before. He assures us and
encourages us to take the fight again and believe in his love, his power, his
grace. Will you allow the setback to lead you to where Jesus has set-up your
victory and success?
Like Peter, let us believe again!
Let us fight again!
