When Jesus encourages his disciples

Here is the reflection I shared with those who gathered with us around the tabga (the table of the Lord) this weekend: some reflections on the third encounter of the Risen Jesus with his disciples, and the lessons we can learn from that moment of grace.

You can do it

On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, there is a certain spot, referred to as Tabga, where the apparition described in today’s gospel took place.  There is a small church constructed there, to mark the spot where Jesus appeared to his disciples, where he invited them to dine with him.  If they listen very carefully, with the prayerful ear of the heart, those who visit this place today can still hear the voice of Peter and the other disciples as they were wandering along the beach, musing about whether or not all that Jesus had taught was really true, or whether they should just all get in a boat and go fishing (cf Jn 21:2-3a).  This return to their former love of the sea could have been a recreation, but it was most probably an act of despair: after all, preaching about the kingdom was no guarantee that they would be able to earn a living.

There is a lesson revealed for all of us in the fact that the disciples didn’t catch anything on that expedition.  While they may have been tempted to understand their empty nets as a mere coincidence, or as something that happened from time to time in the lives of those who earned their living on the sea, there was a much more valuable lesson about to be revealed.

A stranger, standing on the shore of the sea, called to them as the sun was rising: Children, you have no fish, have you? (Jn 21:5).  The fact that he addressed them as children might have been surprising to them, but it demonstrates the enduring fatherly care and love that Jesus has for all his disciples, even us … and it’s also significant that this encounter begins with him encouraging them to admit the reality that they are facing: their night of efforts was fruitless.  Once they admitted this truth, he was immediately ready to help: Cast the net to the right side of the boat and you will find some (Jn 21:6).  Have you ever noticed that there are times when despite every human effort, nothing ever seems to be accomplished … and yet, it just takes a simple word of prayer to change the situation?  The disciples needed to be reminded that God never leaves his beloved children alone; even today, we can become so wrapped up in ourselves that we forget the fact that Jesus is never far away, that he is always ready to help, and that when we ask for that help, it is immediately given, most often with results that far exceed our imaginings.

Once they had managed to bring their nets ashore, Jesus called to the disciples again: Bring some of the fish that you have just caught (Jn 21:10).  Although he had already prepared the feast, he invited them to bring some of their own bounty and to share it with others.  Every one of us who is here brings our gifts and talents to the table, and Jesus welcomes these gifts and encourages us to share them with others, like a pot luck of blessings that he combines to create the community of believers.  We can choose to keep our talents hidden, but if we truly believe that it is Jesus who offers the banquet we share around this table, then we will be filled with wonder and awe, like the disciples who did not dare to ask this stranger who he was (cf Jn 21:12).  Deep in their hearts, they already knew the answer to that question. 

Even if there have been moments when we, like Peter, have denied our faith, we know that Jesus is here.  He speaks with us tenderly, as he spoke with Peter that day, asking us only one thing: Do you love me? (cf Jn 21:15-17).  Even if we should stumble in our faith, he will always respond with the same question: Do you love me? … and every time we confirm our willingness to love him in return, he is willing to forgive us.  This is the merciful heart of our Father in action.

Because of the Father’s infinite mercy and willingness to forgive us, Peter and the other disciples were strengthened in their convictions, to the point where they were then able to stand before the High Priest and the council of elders in the temple, and to testify to the truth that had been revealed to them: the God of our ancestors raised up Jesus (Acts 5:30).  Without the gift of faith, the disciples would have remained shut in the upper room.  Perhaps they would have returned to their fishing nets and tried to deny all that they had seen and heard, but the strength of the word of God is that it is true and it cannot be hidden.  Those who have heard it, those who have experienced it in their own lives are compelled to share it, even if it should mean that we will be persecuted because of it.

In fact, the apostle John would later testify about the vision he had been granted, a vision of heaven, a vision of angels singing: Worthy is the lamb who was slain (Rev 5:12) … to the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever! (Rev 5:13)  This is the song that all Christian believers sing with every breath we breathe, with every effort we expend.  It is a song we must sing so that others will see within us the joy that is in our hearts.