The Third Big Reveal

JN 21: 1-14

Easter & the post-resurrection of Christ: The disciples return to their village and decide to do what they know best – fish.  After toiling throughout the night, no fish are caught (they get skunked).  As the men pull up anchor & nets, they hear someone from the beach call to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They yell back, “No” and the stranger tells them to drop their net one more time.  Incredibly, their net is filled to the brim with all kinds of fish.  One of the other fishermen tells Peter that he thinks it is the Lord calling to them & the impulsive Peter jumps overboard to swim ashore and to see if this could be true.

Something strange occurs when they all put back to the shore.  The man thought to be Jesus is now unrecognizable.  He is cooking fish & inviting the disciples to eat.  While reading this, I am trying to understand why Jesus suddenly goes “incognito” on the shore.  I recall that He has done this before; at the tomb of the Resurrection and on the road to Emmaus. Once unrecognizable, he mysteriously appears to those around Him.  It makes me remember that “appearances can be deceiving.”  So, I ask, “Is it me who fails to see the Lord or is Jesus purposely remaining anonymous until just the right moment to reveal Himself?” Maybe He wants me to listen with my heart, rather than confirm Him with sight?  But do I really want to listen to Jesus?  Or do I hear what I want; simply to justify my ego?

Another thought came to mind when Jesus addresses the fishermen as “my children.”  I am a firm believer in the presence of a healthy, father-figure in the family.  I have seen too many young men who have taken the wrong path because of the absence of this figure; whether it be a biological or adoptive father, uncle, athletic coach or some other caring man.  When there is no committed male figure to teach, guide, & discipline (when necessary) trouble can brew.  That is not to say that some young men (without a father-figure) do not overcome these odds and end up living very healthy & successful lives; yet I believe the numbers would confirm my concern & reveal some disturbing results.  

This reading offers us an opportunity to see the essential role of the father.  Without the father (Jesus in this case) who reaches out from the shore (the calling to His fishermen/children), who feeds them (with a breakfast of fish & spiritual lessons) & who ultimately invites them to follow in the Father’s footsteps – the fishermen may have led a rather unexceptional life.  The Pilgrim has witnessed many older men who continue to seek their father's love and who weep because they are now gone.  Possibly, these men had fathers who were broken by addiction, ham-stringed by emotional disorder or absent because of other personal struggles.  It is an unfortunate that many young men (without the resource of a father) will not have the tools to make good choices. Choices that are necessary to stay on the right path and to navigate the trials of their futures.    Whether you are a man of eighteen or eighty, there is always an opportunity to minister to a young man or other brother.  Let us take on the necessary task to not only work on our souls, but the souls of the young who ache for direction & nourishment.  As Christ mentored to his disciple-children on that beach, let us continue to be trusted role models for our children.  The simple question posed is, “Are you ready to lead an extraordinary life or be content with the unexceptional ”  Listen closely.  The Lord is always calling to you from the shore.  Just jump in and swim to Him. The (Wandering) Pilgrim.