On this 3rd Sunday of the Easter season the Gospel reading from John 21 tells us of the story of the disciples, and Peter in particular, who are fishing in Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection. Catching nothing, they see a man on the shore who yell out to fish from the other side of the boat. They do, catch 153 large fish, and realize that it’s the Lord. He feeds them breakfast, and confronts Peter with the question, “Do you love me?” Three times Peter answers, “I do, you know I do.” “Then feed my sheep,” Jesus replies. This healing of Peter’s earlier betrayal also contains the seeds of new mission: If you truly love me, don’t retreat away here. Enter the work, even if it is costly, Jesus seems to say. Rev. Kent reminded us that there is so much powerful work needed in order to bring justice, joy, and healing to all persons, and that work cannot be done without love and without getting out of self for the sake of others. Here is the prayer offered by worship leader Charlie Hoffman. Where ever you are led, and however your love may be called upon to feed others, may you find blessing in both word and deed.
Hauler of fish and maker of breakfasts, hear our thanks for the times we have been fed, restored, and redeemed by you. We lift our voices to heaven in praise of your love-in-action. Rescued and filled with that love, now fill us with resolve: resolve to act on your love; resolve to praise you with more than just words; resolve to reach beyond personal comfort in order to haul ashore a boat-breaking harvest of joy for all the people, all the sheep, all our hearts. Be alive and among us, Lord, and heal us of every ill. We meet you on daybreak’s shore. Call us and we will come. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
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