April 26, 1998

Third Sunday of Easter John 21:1-19

This epilogue to John’s gospel adding another of appearance of Jesus after the resurrection, this time in Galilee and to some of his disciples as they were fishing, is considered by most scholars to have been added after the original gospel was written. If so, it probably was not too long after that since it is found in all copies of that gospel. The story builds on the multiplication of loaves and fishes and also gives Peter an opportunity to repent the three times he denied Jesus. The importance of receiving a commission while eating together also highlights the significance of communal gatherings for the followers of Jesus. The disciples are presented as needing this experience in order to understand that their previous employment as fishermen has been replaced by the commission to feed the lambs and sheep.

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A group of eight women had been friends for over 40 years. During some of those years, while they were raising children, they didn’t have many opportunities to gather as a group. However, once their children were grown and they suddenly found themselves grandmothers, they began gathering more regularly and even going on short vacations together. When one of their number developed cancer and, after a rather lengthy illness, died, they grew somewhat dispirited. In addition to being saddened by the loss of their friend, who had been the heart of their group, they also had to face their own mortality. They went to a resort the first time they gathered following the funeral. Though it was a lovely and restful place, they were all a bit on edge. Dinner the first night was a disaster. Everyone had some complaint about their room or the food or the swimming pool. No one even mentioned their deceased friend. The following evening, one of their number rather timidly mentioned an anecdote from their friend’s life. This got them started sharing stories of their experiences with the friend. As the conversation continued, their spirits lifted. It was almost like the friend was in their midst, urging them, to enjoy themselves and assuring them that she was still with them. From that time on, when ever they gathered, someone would mention how healing that night had been and they would tell more stories about her and about their shared histories.