Friday within Easter Octave – 17th April 2020 — Gospel: John 21, 1-14
Fire of reconciliation and recommission
In this third resurrection appearance, Jesus once again encounters seven of his disciples and strengthens their commitment with Eucharistic meals. Peter stays “in character” here as one who continues to bumble around and draws others to security by resuming their familiar trade. But, Peter’s return to his previous life, along with others, will be radically transformed. On the shore, the risen Lord has prepared a “charcoal fire” (21,9) roasting with fish and bread. Though reminding Peter of the charcoal fire outside the high priest’s house, these burning coals by the sea prepare a meal of communion and reconciliation. How different this fire must have looked to Peter in the light of dawn as the risen Lord invites them to have breakfast. The words and the actions of Jesus echo his earlier meal of thanksgiving with the loaves and fish. This “last breakfast” once again transforms a moment of deprivation and insufficiency into a feast, with unexpected blessing made available for all. It is at this meal that they receive a recommissioning from the Lord. They are reminded who they are and what they were originally called to be. They are challenged to get back in the boat and try again – in more ways than one.
