When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
T he several resurrection appearances of Jesus in the four Gospels and Acts of the Apostles have much in common; but beyond the obvious presence of Jesus, few details with which they all agree. Although he is immediately recognized by women, men don't know who -- or what -- he is. Luke's disciples on the road think he's a visitor returning from Jerusalem who, incredibly, knows nothing about the recent disturbances. When he reappears in the Cenacle, they think he's a ghost. In today's gospel he appears as a helpful stranger with a preternatural knowledge of how to catch fish.
In all of these stories, the disciples recognize him not by his face or voice but by a sign he gives them. Luke's Jesus showed them his hands and his feet. Or he took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. John's Thomas knew him by the nail wounds in his hands and side. In today's story, "the disciple whom Jesus loved" recognized the divine signature in a supernatural abundance of fish. But that was not the first of his appearances. Only in John's story of his appearance in the Cenacle on Sunday evening, do his disciples recognize him without confusion or terror.
Today's reading is clearly a sequel added to the original Gospel of John, but its connections are tenuous. As the NABRE footnote says, it bears resemblances to the synoptic gospels and to John's. But it appears in all the ancient manuscripts and is unquestionably a gospel text.
The disciples' incomprehension reminds us to recognize our own. Too often, as catechized Catholics or Christians, we assume we know the answer to the question, "Who is this man who appears to us and demands our attention?" We're like the boy who responded to the priest's question: "What wild animal looks like a cat, raises its tail high like a cat, and shoots out an awful smell?" After much hesitation and head scratching one brave lad replied,
"I know you're talking about Jesus but it sounds like a polecat!"
Was the Risen Lord only a ghost, as some misguided Christians still suppose? Was his breaking the bread at Emmaus only a sign and not the gift of his flesh? as others suggest?
Do we know the voice of the Lord when he calls us out of the tombs of our slack prayer routines, poor attitudes, and resentful memories? Do we recognize the beauty of his wounded hands, feet, and side in our own wounds and those of others around us? Do we understand that we have no knowledge of the wind and where it blows, and must wait upon him to understand where we should go and what we should say?
Lord, teach me to wait in darkness and silence until I hear you call me out?
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.