Today's Scripture Readings
Acts 9:1-20 (NRSV)
Psalm 30 (BCP., p.621)
Revelation 5: 11-14 (NRSV)
John 21: 1-19 (NRSV)
Blog Reflection
It must have been quite shocking for Ananias to be given the assignment of restoring sight to Saul. We read in the account from Acts of how Jesus called him to lay hands on the soon to arrive Saul and give him back his sight. Ananias hesitates based on what he had heard and known. Yet, Jesus calls him to the task, that would be the beginning of Saul's new life in Christ. Because for the first time, Saul would see anew with his physical eyes, and with the eyes of faith the Crucified and Risen Christ as he was baptized by Peter and taught by the Apostles to prepare him for the ministry to the Gentiles.
Ananias experienced what all of us do at some point. When we have heard something about someone else and then are called to confront her/him with an act of hospitality and kindness, we respond in fear. The problem is that when we respond to God's call with the fear of the past, we become deaf to God's work in the here and now. In Christ, God challenges us to let go of our blindness to God's presence and work in others around us. Even those we may have some stereotypical thought about. Especially those who have been blinded by ignorance, prejudice and a refusal to grow past their common held notions. Yet, God empowers us for the ministry of giving sight to anyone who comes to a new understanding of God in Christ, and to invite them into the Household of God, to pray and work with them in the work of reconciliation and healing.
As we turn our attention to the Gospel of John, there are some problems with the text that we have to confront.
It is really odd that the resurrection story in John 21 is so disconnected from what happened in last weeks narrative in John 20. John 21 seems to come from the point of view that John 20 did not actually happen. What in the world is going on?
We must keep in mind that the Gospel according to John was most likely not written by the Apostle and Evangelist himself. Though there are indications that what is written could have come from John, the various twists and turns in the Gospel suggest that it was probably compiled by more than one person. It is very possible that it could have been a small committee of people who just couldn't agree on what belonged in it. So they all got a little piece of what they wanted in there to satisfy everyone. There are plenty of good commentaries out there, but they are just that. Commentaries, opinions. Some more educated than others. Also, the argument to let the Scriptures stand on their own and the Holy Spirit take care of it, doesn't work either. Christians have been interpreting the Holy Spirit for centuries. Look where that has gotten us? Antisemitism, homophobia, sexism, racism, religious supercessionism, you name it. No thank you.
Instead, let's pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying through the accredited scholarship of those who know a lot more than we do.
This Gospel reading though has some things in it that are very familiar. The sea near Galilee as was said in Luke 5 when Jesus called Peter and the other disciples to be fishers of people. Is it possible that this was something extra from Luke that just got thrown in? Anything is possible.
What is written there has a lot to say. Some important things we need to consider. Many of them come from a terrific Biblical Commentary (opinion I know) blog called Progressive Involvement.
First, each of the Apostles named are those who have had some problem with their relationship and/or faith in Jesus. So, we begin not with those who were said to be strong and courageous, but those who have had issues that remain unresolved. God often comes to us in the midst of our confusion and unresolved issues, to bring us some kind of truth that we may not have looked at before. Jesus will knock as long as it takes. But, He fully intends to get our attention. The question is, are we listening and watching for Him?
Second, the Apostles in this narrative have kind of broken away from the group and gone back to what they were doing before. The Jesus thing did not quite work out the way they wanted. So, they go back to fishing all night. And as they return to what they were doing before they were called by Jesus, so they are unable to make progress in their lives. They are in darkness and disbelief. So, they spend the night on the old boring, but familiar things. They don't require a lot of energy, but they are willing to spend what they have on that which does not bring them results. They are kind of like those who attended the Great Vigil of Easter, and well, all the excitement is over. Lent is done. Let's go back to no longer paying attention. Let's go back to living in the dark about what the Christian life is really about. After all, it was only a Sunday. We don't live Easter. We just celebrate it, and well, it's all over.
As the darkness gives way to the "dawn from on high that breaks upon us" (Luke 1:78) Jesus comes and tells them to throw the net on the other side. That's when they catch so much fish, that they are lucky that the nets did not break. Still, they did not recognize Jesus. You mean, they did not recognize Jesus from the last time they caught all those fish? Sometimes, it takes another knock of reality from God, before we get our act together. Are we listening for the knock? Or have we rolled the stone back over th entrance to the tomb. Who wants to be reminded of what the Risen Christ might call us to do?
When they realize that it is Jesus that calls them from the sea shore, we see Peter jump in to the river to cleanse himself and swim towards Jesus. When the disciples meet up with Jesus, they share a meal by breaking bread and sharing in the fish they caught. This scene is very familiar to the story in Luke 24: 13-35. It is in the sharing of a meal in thanksgiving to God that they come together to listen and learn from Jesus.
Do we see our Baptism as the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit so that we are part of the Household of God, with a responsibility towards others?
Do we come to the Eucharist to listen to and learn from Jesus as we share in God's Goodness through the Body and Blood of Christ, to share God's Presence with the world around us?
The last part of this Gospel has some very important points to be made. The following is take from Progressive Involvement.
Are we willing to seek God's help to love one another with the sense that each person is our sister and brother? Can we love them with phileis (brotherly love) so that they can be drawn closer to God's (agape) love? Can we understand that being a Christian is about living in community with others?
Francine Wheeler, a mom with her husband, who lost their son, Ben in the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, four months ago today, gave President Obama's Saturday weekly radio address yesterday. She along with the parents and families of those who tragically lost their lives that horrible day, have become agents for change in the midst of their grief. They lost their babies and family members through unspeakable violence. But, they are not willing to let their gripping grief stop them from helping others. Including helping members of Congress understand how out of control gun violence is destroying our communities. That's the power of the resurrection coming alive in those who are wounded beyond description, bearing witness to the hope of new life in the world around us. They are willing to see beyond themselves and do what they can to wake people up, and to care about others more than they do about themselves.
Today, the Risen Christ asks us with Peter, do you love (phileis) me?
How are we responding to His question?
Amen.
Prayers
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said,
"Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
Psalm 30 (BCP., p.621)
Revelation 5: 11-14 (NRSV)
I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice,
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,
- "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
- to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
- and honor and glory and blessing!"
And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.
- "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
- be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"
Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."
A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."
Blog Reflection
It must have been quite shocking for Ananias to be given the assignment of restoring sight to Saul. We read in the account from Acts of how Jesus called him to lay hands on the soon to arrive Saul and give him back his sight. Ananias hesitates based on what he had heard and known. Yet, Jesus calls him to the task, that would be the beginning of Saul's new life in Christ. Because for the first time, Saul would see anew with his physical eyes, and with the eyes of faith the Crucified and Risen Christ as he was baptized by Peter and taught by the Apostles to prepare him for the ministry to the Gentiles.
Ananias experienced what all of us do at some point. When we have heard something about someone else and then are called to confront her/him with an act of hospitality and kindness, we respond in fear. The problem is that when we respond to God's call with the fear of the past, we become deaf to God's work in the here and now. In Christ, God challenges us to let go of our blindness to God's presence and work in others around us. Even those we may have some stereotypical thought about. Especially those who have been blinded by ignorance, prejudice and a refusal to grow past their common held notions. Yet, God empowers us for the ministry of giving sight to anyone who comes to a new understanding of God in Christ, and to invite them into the Household of God, to pray and work with them in the work of reconciliation and healing.
As we turn our attention to the Gospel of John, there are some problems with the text that we have to confront.
It is really odd that the resurrection story in John 21 is so disconnected from what happened in last weeks narrative in John 20. John 21 seems to come from the point of view that John 20 did not actually happen. What in the world is going on?
We must keep in mind that the Gospel according to John was most likely not written by the Apostle and Evangelist himself. Though there are indications that what is written could have come from John, the various twists and turns in the Gospel suggest that it was probably compiled by more than one person. It is very possible that it could have been a small committee of people who just couldn't agree on what belonged in it. So they all got a little piece of what they wanted in there to satisfy everyone. There are plenty of good commentaries out there, but they are just that. Commentaries, opinions. Some more educated than others. Also, the argument to let the Scriptures stand on their own and the Holy Spirit take care of it, doesn't work either. Christians have been interpreting the Holy Spirit for centuries. Look where that has gotten us? Antisemitism, homophobia, sexism, racism, religious supercessionism, you name it. No thank you.
Instead, let's pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying through the accredited scholarship of those who know a lot more than we do.
This Gospel reading though has some things in it that are very familiar. The sea near Galilee as was said in Luke 5 when Jesus called Peter and the other disciples to be fishers of people. Is it possible that this was something extra from Luke that just got thrown in? Anything is possible.
What is written there has a lot to say. Some important things we need to consider. Many of them come from a terrific Biblical Commentary (opinion I know) blog called Progressive Involvement.
First, each of the Apostles named are those who have had some problem with their relationship and/or faith in Jesus. So, we begin not with those who were said to be strong and courageous, but those who have had issues that remain unresolved. God often comes to us in the midst of our confusion and unresolved issues, to bring us some kind of truth that we may not have looked at before. Jesus will knock as long as it takes. But, He fully intends to get our attention. The question is, are we listening and watching for Him?
Second, the Apostles in this narrative have kind of broken away from the group and gone back to what they were doing before. The Jesus thing did not quite work out the way they wanted. So, they go back to fishing all night. And as they return to what they were doing before they were called by Jesus, so they are unable to make progress in their lives. They are in darkness and disbelief. So, they spend the night on the old boring, but familiar things. They don't require a lot of energy, but they are willing to spend what they have on that which does not bring them results. They are kind of like those who attended the Great Vigil of Easter, and well, all the excitement is over. Lent is done. Let's go back to no longer paying attention. Let's go back to living in the dark about what the Christian life is really about. After all, it was only a Sunday. We don't live Easter. We just celebrate it, and well, it's all over.
As the darkness gives way to the "dawn from on high that breaks upon us" (Luke 1:78) Jesus comes and tells them to throw the net on the other side. That's when they catch so much fish, that they are lucky that the nets did not break. Still, they did not recognize Jesus. You mean, they did not recognize Jesus from the last time they caught all those fish? Sometimes, it takes another knock of reality from God, before we get our act together. Are we listening for the knock? Or have we rolled the stone back over th entrance to the tomb. Who wants to be reminded of what the Risen Christ might call us to do?
When they realize that it is Jesus that calls them from the sea shore, we see Peter jump in to the river to cleanse himself and swim towards Jesus. When the disciples meet up with Jesus, they share a meal by breaking bread and sharing in the fish they caught. This scene is very familiar to the story in Luke 24: 13-35. It is in the sharing of a meal in thanksgiving to God that they come together to listen and learn from Jesus.
Do we see our Baptism as the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit so that we are part of the Household of God, with a responsibility towards others?
Do we come to the Eucharist to listen to and learn from Jesus as we share in God's Goodness through the Body and Blood of Christ, to share God's Presence with the world around us?
The last part of this Gospel has some very important points to be made. The following is take from Progressive Involvement.
Jesus addresses Peter directly. Three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. In the first two instances, Jesus uses the word agapas--unconditional love. In the last query, Jesus uses the word phileis--brotherly love. Each time, Peter responds that he does love Jesus, but with a phileis love, not an agape one. In other words, Peter's "love" is not at the same level as the "love" in Jesus' question.
This seemed to be one of the Beloved Disciple's main points of dispute with Peter: Peter doesn't love Jesus enough. Indeed, the first question Jesus asked--"Do you love me more than these?"--would indicate that Peter may love "these," the disciples or perhaps the implements of his fishing craft, more than he loves Jesus.
Secondly, each time Peter responds, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you," the word the fourth gospel uses for "know" here is oida. This is knowledge at the "every day" level, the knowledge based on direct experience and intellectual discernment. In the last exchange, Peter says again, "Lord, you know--oida--all things." Then, however, Peter shifts to ginosko for "know": "You know--ginosko, interior, mystical, "spiritual knowing"--that I love you."
Ginosko is the kind of "knowing" that really counts in the fourth gospel. Peter finally gets the "knowing" right--(as an addendum on the third try)--but he still doesn't get the love right. Jesus finally gives in a bit, again on the third try, by reducing the love from agape to phileis perhaps in the hope that Peter can finally identify with him at least at that level.
Jesus' instructions to Peter follow this pattern: feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. Wes Howard-Brook: "The alternation between lambs and sheep also brings to mind the dual role of the disciples. They are both like Jesus, the Lamb of God, who will be sacrificed for the sake of the people, but are also those who follow, like the sheep Jesus leads (p. 478)."
The last time Peter was at a charcoal fire, he was there with "the slaves and the police" (18: 18) at which he denied three times that he was a follower of Jesus. At this post-resurrection charcoal fire, he is with Jesus and the disciples, but still doesn't quite get that the center of discipleship is unconditional and intimate love of Jesus. Nevertheless, in spite of Peter's disappointing performance in this dialog, Jesus calls him to the central task of discipleship which is tending and caring for the sheep.
After the three-fold question of love, Jesus issues an "amen, amen" saying, an indication of special importance. In the fourth gospel, Jesus willingly goes to the cross (10: 18). Here, Jesus says that, while Peter will indeed die for the faith, he will do so unwillingly. Peter is being taken where he does not wish to go.
Are we willing to seek God's help to love one another with the sense that each person is our sister and brother? Can we love them with phileis (brotherly love) so that they can be drawn closer to God's (agape) love? Can we understand that being a Christian is about living in community with others?
Francine Wheeler, a mom with her husband, who lost their son, Ben in the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, four months ago today, gave President Obama's Saturday weekly radio address yesterday. She along with the parents and families of those who tragically lost their lives that horrible day, have become agents for change in the midst of their grief. They lost their babies and family members through unspeakable violence. But, they are not willing to let their gripping grief stop them from helping others. Including helping members of Congress understand how out of control gun violence is destroying our communities. That's the power of the resurrection coming alive in those who are wounded beyond description, bearing witness to the hope of new life in the world around us. They are willing to see beyond themselves and do what they can to wake people up, and to care about others more than they do about themselves.
Today, the Risen Christ asks us with Peter, do you love (phileis) me?
How are we responding to His question?
Amen.
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for the Third Sunday in Easter, Book of Common Prayer, p.224).
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, p. 815).
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of
peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel
for the nations of the earth, that in tranquillity your dominion
may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your
love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen. (Prayer for Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p.246),
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