(Readings: Acts 24:27-25:13-21; Psalm 103; John 21)
Today’s readings help us to answer a few questions: Where are we going? Who are we following? What is feeding us? What are we feeding others? Acts provides a picture of Paul. Before being a passionate follower of Jesus, he was a passionate persecutor of Christians. Some people prefer not to have passion and energy. Paul tells the truth and makes people uncomfortable. This landed him in jail and ultimately takes him to Rome. He encountered the Risen Lord: that truth had caused him to change the course of his life. He was on a new journey, to testify to the truth, wherever this journey would take him.
Felix, Agrippa, and his sister Bernice are all mid-level government leaders in the Roman empire. They do not maintain their positions by controversial decisions, and they are not about to get into the middle of what appears to be a struggle over claims of faith and truth. They are curious, but they can afford to avoid truth. They have the comforts of their offices, power to maintain some control and wealth to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. The law becomes a haven to escape the burden of controversial decisions. Let someone else deal with it. Let’s get back to normal life and its comforting illusions.
Today’s gospel presents us with another disciple’s conversion story. Like Paul, Peter was a passionate firebrand – he had been passionate about following Jesus. But Peter’s devotion faded at the Lord’s passion, when fear took hold of him. Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. Peter denied him three times, but as the Lord had predicted, the cock crowed, he repented.
Peter encounters the risen Lord. After breakfast together, Jesus pressed Peter with questions. Jesus allows Peter to affirm his love three times, negating his former denials. Jesus knows Peter’s need to know he has not lost confidence in him. Jesus calls him to a new journey – “follow me” and “feed my sheep”. There will be uncertainty and risk: stay away from the fear that nearly choked out your fire. Remember my love and forgiveness when you feed my sheep.
Peter and Paul, Felix, Agrippa, and Bernice, present examples for us to reflect on. Where are we going? Who are we following? Let us neither feed on fear nor let the comforts of this life keep us detached from the love and forgiveness that comes from the risen Lord. Have a blessed day!
Fr. Brian