Acts 5:27-32, 40b to 41; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
I am going fishing
God’s call to each of us is personal and eternal, like the seal of Baptism and Confirmation that enable each child to belong to Him. What is true for the highest leaders of the Church is true for the newborn. Jesus renamed Simon as “Peter” after he alone had confessed Jesus as the Christ, and he alone was called to lead the Church from then on.
In the touching scene of St. John’s Gospel today, the future first pope exercised his leadership very simply. He only suggested, “I am going fishing”, and the disciples offered to accompany him. Together they labored all night long, “but that night they caught nothing.” Can’t we all resonate with that situation?
As dawn’s light spread over the fishermen, John says that Jesus “revealed Himself in this way.” In what way? He showed up on the beach! Calling to the weary fishermen as they plied their trade, He redirected their work at the end of a long night, helped them to net a great catch, and He even made them breakfast on the shore!
Jesus wants us to know, too, that He is right alongside us, after a long duty shift, after hours on the computer, or after ministering to someone very ill. He is working in the midst of us, from the Rock who is Peter and his first bishops, down to each member of His Body, the Church.
This sweet morning revelation of Jesus showed the apostles, and us, that God is always guiding, even invisibly, and caring, most lovingly. “Their” fish were hauled in, their task fulfilled, and then an even greater mercy was offered to their leader.
Turning to the contrite Peter, our gentle Lord gave His beloved Prince of the Apostles the opportunity to make up for his three-fold denial. Three times the commission to care for the flock of Christ was affirmed.
The Good Shepherd asked Peter to take care of you and I, His lambs and sheep, and He asks the same of all his successors down through the present time.
The duty of shepherding the People of God is bestowed by the Holy Spirit on the one he has chosen to fulfill this important task for the whole world. That is why we are joined in prayer right now for the conclave of cardinals that is gathering to choose the next pontiff.
We must support the cardinal electors with our prayers and sacrifices. We trust that God hears our heartfelt prayers for a loving leader who will be wise, compassionate and good. God knows the hearts of men. We can thank Him in advance for guiding us too, from where He watches “on the shore”.
Each in our own small way can fulfill the commission to care for the flock of Christ by our charity from day to day. In that way we can join in Our Holy Father’s commission from Jesus to “feed my lambs” and “tend my sheep”. We remember the tender care that Pope Francis showed for the poor and marginalized.
Let us continue to offer prayers for our departed Holy Father Francis, that he may soon gaze on the radiant face of Jesus, his own Good Shepherd
I am among you as one who serves.
and then