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A few disciples were out fishing one night. The fishing hadn’t gone particularly well, and they were heading toward shore at sunrise when an unknown man appeared and suggested a change in their technique. They tried his idea and caught many fish. Once they brought the boat to shore, they discovered that the man was actually the resurrected Jesus. They had breakfast together, and then Jesus challenged Simon Peter—and us.
Do You Love Me?
Oh, how I enjoy breakfast! French toast, waffles, pancakes,
omelets, migas, cereal, meat, fruit, juice — this is what puts
my morning in motion. Yum!
One of two things happens to me after breakfast, though. Most of
the time, I am energized and fueled up for what’s coming next.
My breakfast gives me a kick start for the day. Other
times, after I am loaded up and everything hits my gut, I am
ready to lie right back down. Rather than being revitalized, I
just want to crawl back into bed.
Did you know that Jesus made breakfast for his disciples? After
he was raised from the dead, after he appeared to his disciples,
and after he gave them the Holy Spirit, Jesus met his
disciples at the shoreline once again and served tasty fish and
bread as the sun came up. They must have been so hungry. They
had had a long night of fishing and frustration, until Jesus
gave them a sunrise fishing tip that filled their nets. Then
they had breakfast.
After they ate and talked, their minds, hearts and bellies must
have been full. But before they went back to work or took a nap,
Jesus wanted to remind them of what was ahead. He was
handing off leadership to them. The Good Shepherd, Jesus, was
now entrusting the flock to their care. He asked Peter not once,
but three times, “Do you love me?” reminding Peter and
us, “Don’t fill up and then drift back off to sleep. Feed my
lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. Follow me.”
On this Easter Sunday, a day when we celebrate God’s
resurrection power, we cannot roll over and take a snooze. God’s
promises break our Lenten fast and thrust us forward in hope
and joy as we witness God bringing life from death. Here, in the
final sentences of the Gospels, Jesus’ words are a reminder to
us that we are brought together, filled with good things,
and called to feed and tend to those who need some love and
affection. Jesus calls to us, “Don’t lie back down and doze as
if nothing has happened. Instead, follow me into this day and
week and life. There is so much to be done together.”
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The
Rev. Lowell Michelson
Senior pastor
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