3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER C
EXCITEMENT AND
RESPECT
Do we still catch ourselves
totally excited about something? Once when I was bringing my niece and nephew
out to lunch, they left their house too early that we found the restaurant
still hours from opening once we arrived. They (and I, of course) were truly
excited to meet up and to eat some new cuisine!
In the gospel today, we see again
the strange behavior of Peter. Much have been said about Peter’s temperament
and he has been commented on negatively for his imprudence, impatience and
rashness. Peter was now fishing with the other disciples, like they used to do
before Jesus called them, and he heard that the Risen Lord was on the shore. Lightly
clad (or naked, depending on the version), Peter put on his garment, jumped on
the water and swam towards the Lord.
Now this really looked
ridiculous. People undress to get into the water. Here, Peter dressed up to go
swimming towards Jesus. Many preachers take this chance to lambast Peter again
for his impulsiveness and lack of thought. But what might have been the real
reason for this strange behavior?
First, Peter was so excited to meet
his Master once again! After the Crucifixion of the Lord, he was one of those
who entered into confusion and difficulty in understanding the flurry of
events. Now, convinced that Jesus was truly Risen, he couldn’t contain his
emotion that he did what seemed irrational.
Second, Peter acted out of deep
respect. He was unprepared for this moment. He did not want to come up to Jesus
lightly clad or naked, that he covered himself immediately. This excitement and
respect flowed into a behavior that the Lord Jesus certainly appreciated and
welcomed.
This reflex of Peter, do we also
have it in ourselves when we relate with the Lord? Do we joyfully anticipate going
to Mass and receiving Communion? Do we behave reverently in the presence of the
Lord as we pray, read the Bible or adore him? Do we have excitement and respect
as we encounter people who are images of God in our daily lives, in our daily
work and in our daily routine?
“This present moment is all for
you, Lord, all that is joyful, painful, even tiresome and boring. Come Holy
Spirit, help me do my best, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
(paki-share po para lalong makatulong sa iba at dumami ang magpuri sa Panginoon. thanks po!)
