4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.– John 21:4-7
I remember the very first time I began to live apart from my mother and father. It was one of the most difficult times to be away from them and not see their face daily. Something I took for granted and still to this day miss them quite dearly. There are people in our lives whom we have that sort of attachment and love – whether it is our parents, siblings, spouse, or close friends. But how would you feel if you heard one of them had died without you even being able to say goodbye? what if the last words you shared were an argument, a disagreement, or an act of anger? There are some regrets that can only be released and resolved by meeting face to face, and at times that may not be possible. Even using online video chats don’t do justice. We need the handshake, the hug, the kiss – the physical contact to reassure us and remind us of the genuine reconnection.
Could you imagine how Peter might have felt? He denied and betrayed Jesus not once, but three times. Even after Jesus predicted that he would do so. Imagine how much regret, and how much sorrow he must have felt when he heard that Jesus was crucified – the most painful and degrading death sentence possible. Jesus and Peter were like brothers, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, and Peter abandoned him. Then when Peter heard Jesus had died and had been put into a tomb, what must have been rolling through his heart and mind? Probably the worst of depression, the worst feeling of failure and unworthiness. But there is a beautiful part to this story. Jesus comes back. How would you have felt if you heard a loved one who you may have wronged passed away, but some days later that person comes back to life, and not only that, shows up at your doorstep? You would be shocked, liberated, happy beyond any word could describe. Peter was completely out of control. He lost all sensibility to the point he puts on his clothing then jumps into the water. You could imagine the rush of emotion Peter felt of his closest friend in that very moment.
The very first time I went to go visit my mother and father in Princeton, New Jersey after they had moved away, I can still remember the rush of emotion of how good it was to see them. So good that I could not express to you what sort of emotions were going through my heart and mind. My eyes would swell up with tears, even to this day when that memory comes to my mind. How excited are we to be with God then? When we think about the Lord and what he has done for us – that he died on the cross for us but rose again – is our response just as Peter responded? in ecstatic and exuberant joy that it brings tears to our eyes?
Today, as we reflect on the gospel, may you find that joy again and that first love that we had for the Lord. If you have never experienced the joy in loving God, may you come to receive it and fall in love with knowing him today. And, with reckless abondon hunger for his presence because no matter how many times we’ve betrayed or denied him, he always returns for us and calls on you and I.
T H E O P H I L U S 
Leave a comment