Acts 5:27-32,40-41; Apocalypse 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
In Acts, the Apostles are questioned before the Jewish Court. They were accused of not having followed the warning not to preach in Jesus’ name.
The high priests don’t want to be blamed for the death of Jesus, but the Apostles justify their disobedience to the high priests with their trust and obedience towards God. What can the High Priests reply? They are certainly aware of Psalm 118:8 where it says: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
Peter goes one step further by stating that only those who obey God will receive messages from the Holy Spirit – messages from God. Hence, by rebuking the Apostles, the high priests could be seen as admitting that the Holy Spirit, and therefore God, have not spoken to them.
The judges wouldn’t have dared to speak against God, and so they reiterate their order not to speak in the name of Jesus and let the Apostles leave the court.
The interrogation in front of a priestly court is humiliating, but this humiliation might bring them closer to God and to being worthy.
This must have been especially important for Peter who had denied Jesus three times.
The Book of Revelation describes the search for someone worthy.
Angels, the animals and the elders were gathered around the throne, the centre of the power.
We have to imagine that God is seated there, with the elders representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles.
In his vision, John hears the shouting and crying that the Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing.’
The victorious Lamb who conquers all forms of sin and death is worthy.
The Gospel passage is about feeding and being fed.
Several of the disciples were fishermen, and they would feed their community with fish.
So, when Peter decides to go fishing, it is no surprise that other disciples join him. They go fishing in the Western part of the Sea of Galilee. It is not clear how far they usually go out. They go to the boat, but there is no word about if and how far they go with the boat. The friends spend the night on the boat without catching anything.
Jesus, the “Light of the World” stands at the shore, and light, life and hope are back. The disciples follow Jesus’ recommendation to throw their net out to the starboard and only after an incredible catch, the first of the disciples recognises Jesus. Peter doesn’t question this disciple.
He seems to be rather ashamed that he is not properly dressed for meeting Jesus. He might feel unworthy to be in his presence and wishes to cleanse himself and hence jumps into the water.
When the disciples reach Jesus, he has prepared breakfast already. It is the third time since his death and resurrection that Jesus has shown himself to the disciples.
This time Jesus is sharing fish and wine with the disciples. Jesus eats – and it is now clear that Jesus is not a ghost.
Once the disciples are fed, Jesus asks Peter if he loved him and to feed his sheep. Peter first doesn’t understand, and so Jesus is repeating his request.
Jesus repeats his request three times – as often as Peter has previously denied knowing Jesus. The third time, Peter gets upset but he is rewarded with the trust of Jesus who asks Peter to follow him. Peter is now worthy to be the leader while following Jesus.
How often do we misunderstand God’s voice? Peter was entrusted to feed God’s sheep. Feeding them with bread, wine, fish but also with intangible food – with faith, light and truth….
BM
