This section of John’s gospel is an epilogue. It is clearly added on to the body of the gospel by a disciple of John’s. Let us call him the evangelist. Virtually all scholars think that he got he got the theology right but some think that he lost the tone. It is admittedly anti-climactic. In just the past few weeks we have read the washing of the feat, the Passion, the resurrection, and last week the extremely dramatic appearance to St Thomas. Yet the Gospel will end with a fish fry and a gentle rebuke of Peter. This is intended and perfect.

No matter how dramatic the events of our lives, there comes a time that we must get back to work. This is what Peter, and the others are doing today. It is in the middle of their regular work that Jesus calls to them. He changes this common task into an opportunity for spreading the good news or more simply to evangelize. At his word and instruction, they filled their nets to overflowing but as John mentions the net did not break. Responding to Jesus is always fruitful but never more than what we can handle. He then invites them to join him for a meal. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish: we are meant to see a connection with the multiplication of the loaves and the fish and overtones of the Eucharist. Continue reading “3rd Sunday of Easter – Homily (Fr. Smith)” →

On June 15^th, 2015, Dylann Roof a white supremist entered Emmaual Baptist church in Charleston, SC and cold bloodily killed nine African American members attending Bible study. At a bond hearing the daughter of one of the victims said to him “I will never talk with her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you,” This reflected the general feeling of the congregation was controversial. Some people felt that it was too easy. The immediate response of forgiveness may in fact have been psychologically dangerous allowing deeper ressentiments to go “underground” that would emerge later and disturb their peace. It also could seem as if this were a crime without consequence reflecting the deep-seated racism of our nation and culture. 

There is some truth in this especially if we believe that peace is keeping things in their proper place. This is the peace the world can give, and it is the best we can give ourselves. Yet Jesus has told us that there is a peace the world cannot give. This peace is not keeping things in their proper place but by disturbing the peace by creating a new way of being human.  

Today’s Gospel reveals this peace which Jesus had previously told his disciples he alone can give. (John 14:27). Perfect peace for the Jews was Shalom. Harmony between God and humanity, humans ourselves and humanity and nature. They did not expect this until the Messiah brought the Kingdom and began the rule of God. They expected armies of angels to herald this event but although they thought Jesus at very least the Messiah “he showed them his hands and his side” not angelic choirs This was proof that it was the same Jesus who died not his ghost and that his sacrifice of himself was accepted by God. He brought a new covenant and new relationship binding God and all humanity. Their reaction was joy, the emotion that recognizes the presence of God. They were disciples – one who follows – but were to be apostles – one who is sent. This they cannot do unaided, so he breathes on them as he breathed on the water at creation and forms his people, his church, his very presence in the world. There are many gifts and power which come with this, but John strategically emphasizes forgiveness of sins.