|
Greetings!
With the Papal Conclave scheduled to begin on May 7th, the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter couldn't be more appropriate. Basically, they reflect (or imply) some of the qualities one would expect to find in the successor of St. Peter, as well as their opposites. Here are some highlights:
-
Love of Christ v. merely academic knowledge about him.
- Love of all "sheep" v. exclusive love for those already in the fold.
- Protection of the lost and vulnerable v. indifference.
- Concern for the "whole person" v. concern only for the soul.
- Condemnation of violations of human rights v. diplomatic silence.
- Passion for Truth v. double-speak, hidden agendas and cover-ups.
- Personal courage v. refusal to take risks.
- Spiritual guidance v. excessive emphasis on rules and obligations.
- Respect for the laity v. entrenched clericalism.
- Love of creation v. indifference to the state of the planet.
- Servant leadership v. inflated view of self as a "prince" of the church.
- Personal integrity v. unethical behaviors.
- Collegial leadership style v. dictatorial style.
- Recognition of "wolves" and how they operate v. naivety.
- Willingness to proclaim Gospel values v. cowing down to worldly powers.
And what would YOU add to the list?
Elizabeth
P.S. I just asked Chat GPT the same question and got these results: Christ-centeredness, strong faith, love of the church, adherence to church teachings, management and leadership skills, ability to persuade and influence, evangelistic spirit, common touch, trustworthiness, selflessness, friendship with good people, and long-term vision...
+++
SCRIPTURE READINGS
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"
Simon Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
He then asked Simon Peter a second time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Simon Peter answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Tend my sheep."
Jesus asked him a third time,
"Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was distressed that Jesus had asked him a third time,
"Do you love me?" and he replied,
"Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
John 21:1-19
Images of fish and sheep collide in today's Gospel -- or, if not collide, coexist, bringing with them accompanying associations from Jesus' ministry. The post-resurrection story of Jesus' appearance to seven of his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias echoes the call of the first disciples in Mt 4:18-22, Mk 1:16-20, and Lk 5:1-11. In each of the synoptic Gospels, Jesus promises that if they follow him, these fishermen will become "fishers of men." Both John 21 and Luke's Gospel follow the same pattern: no catch despite every effort, Jesus' intervention, an abundant catch, followed by belief. Some scholars suggest that the story of the miraculous catch was originally a post-resurrection story that demonstrates Simon Peter's repentance for denying Jesus and his acknowledgment of Jesus as "Lord." Seen in this light, the narrative rehabilitates Simon Peter, thereby allowing him to become preeminent amongst the other disciples.
Taken collectively, these fishing narratives are about calling and belief. For the disciples, fishing is not a hobby but a means of livelihood. Nor is it a career of choice but, rather, an occupation into which they were born. They, like their fathers and grandfathers before them, are sea folk who depend upon each catch to feed their families, maintain their boats, and pay Roman taxes as well as the Temple tax. It is a hard life, but it is the only life they know. Given all the above, only something extraordinary could prompt Simon Peter, Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee to abandon their nets-- the testimony of John the Baptist, or Jesus' charisma, or perhaps a miraculous catch. The invitation is to leave behind the rote and predictable and embark on a spiritual quest beyond their wildest imaginings-- one that will feed their souls and not just their stomachs! They are to leave behind the shallows and dive into deep waters...
And now for the sheep! From The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Lk 15:1-7), it would seem that Jesus has a soft spot for sheep. In addition, he identifies with the good shepherd who not only knows his sheep by name but is also willing to die for them (Jn 10:11-18). Although his stated mission is to "the lost sheep of Israel (Mk 7:24-30), he is also concerned about other sheep:
"I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd" (Jn 10:16).
Jesus' words to Simon Peter about feeding and tending his sheep are, therefore, inseparable from his mission. In effect, he is entrusting Simon Peter with his legacy, conferring on him the leadership of the community while mandating that he seek out the lost and forsaken. By asking three times whether Simon Peter loves him, Jesus allows him to make up for his three-fold denial before the Crucifixion. Moreover, his role is to "care for" rather than control, to feed rather than chastise, to nourish rather than compel. To use another metaphor, after the miraculous catch and a breakfast with Eucharistic overtones, Peter is now the rock upon which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18).
+++
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- In what ways does the post-resurrection account of the call of Simon Peter help you reflect on your own calling?
- What deep waters are summoning you and what shallows must you leave behind to respond to this call?
- If Jesus were to ask YOU if you love him, how would you respond?
- How do YOU reach out to "lost sheep" and where do you have the most impact?
| 
