3rd Sunday of Easter (John 21: 1-9) “I Am Not In Charge”

The Gospel of John has two endings.  At the conclusion of last week’s Gospel, we had a summary. We read: 

“Jesus performed may other signs not recorded here-in the presence of his disciples.  But these have been recorded to help you believe……..” 

But after this statement we have the story we’ve just shared. We have two traditions then.  In one, the apostles stay in Jerusalem waiting for Jesus’ post resurrection appearance.  In the other, they return to Galilee to wait for what will happen next. 

The second ending doesn’t blend in with the first ending.  We can surmise that the story we read today was added to the end of the Gospel of John. The first time the apostles see Jesus after his resurrection in this ending is at the Sea of Galilee in this alternative ending.   All this helps us understand what is going on.   

The main character in this resurrection story besides Jesus is Peter.  The last time the apostles were by the sea of Galilee with Jesus they experienced the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. Now they eat with him again. We “might” label these stories Eucharistic miracles.  

What we have here is also a conversion story.  Who has the conversion?  Peter.  When the story starts Peter is going out to fish.  He says, “I am going out to fish.”  Now, if we study the Greek, we find that Peter isn’t saying, “I am going out to enjoy a night of recreation on the water, but what he is saying is, “It is time to get on with my life.”  Jesus is gone. I have grieved over him, but now I need to go back to earning a living. 

Peter, then, really didn’t understand what Jesus had tried to teach him.  We can trace his obtuse attitude throughout the passion/Easter accounts.  We might think back to the Last Supper.  We remember how Jesus comes to Peter to wash his feet.  Peter fights with Jesus, “You will never wash my feet.”  Peter doesn’t want to owe Jesus anything.  At the Last Supper Jesus also predicts that someone will betray him.  Peter says, “Even though everyone else will betray you, I will never betray you.” We know how that turned out. 

After Jesus’ resurrection Peter rushes to the tomb with the beloved disciple.  He peers inside but he doesn’t understand. We notice in all these accounts that the predominant pronouns used are “I” and “my.” I will do this.  I won’t do that.  Peter has an ego problem.  He wants to be in charge. He changes when he meets the risen Jesus on the seashore.  Peter went out to fish. Remember that he says, “I am going out to fish.”  By his own efforts he and the other apostles catch nothing. But when they respond to Jesus’ instruction, the fishing nets are filled to the breaking point.  And they realize that Jesus is alive.  Jesus hasn’t left them.  In joy, they savor the meal Jesus provides on the seashore.  A meal like they had enjoyed at that place before.  A meal that celebrated abundance.  A breakfast that was meant to nourish their spiritual life.   

What was Jesus’ message to Peter? “It was, you have got to let go of your ego. 

“I tell you solemnly that: as a young man you fastened your belt and went about as you pleased, but when you are older you will stretch out your hands and another will hold you fast and carry you off against your will.” Peter did let go of his selfish ambition.  He placed his life in Jesus’ hands.  He understood that he didn’t have to be the best apostle.  He didn’t need to take all the credit for his successes.  He handed his life over in service of the Gospel. 

Jesus asks this of all of us.  We like to control our lives. But the fact is we can, and we can’t.  We needn’t despair though, because the Lord is with us.  Jesus is showing us the way. “The way” was one of the first titles for Christianity.  The question is: will we surrender to God? If we do, that is the key to Easter joy.