3rd Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19
The gospel on this 3rd Sunday of Easter brings a master class in remembrance by the resurrected Christ. We find the disciples in the 21st Chapter of John still adrift despite Jesus’ previous appearance when he breathed on them and sent them out (John 20:20-23). When they decided to do something together, they returned to fishing for fish instead of fishing for people. Their memories – and perhaps ours – needed to be recalled.
The “stranger” on the beach first points to their scarcity before suggesting a different approach (21:5). The abundance that comes from listening to the voice of the stranger who was in fact their shepherd (John 10:27) causes immediate recognition (21:7). Next the revealed Jesus brings them to the warmth of a charcoal fire (verse 9; see also John 18:17-18), breaks bread and shares with them in the nourishing abundance (10-12; see also 6:1-15, especially 6:11). Fully recalled, the direction to follow becomes clear: feed my sheep (17).
The author of Acts tells of another transformational call. In this case, Saul the persecutor becomes Paul the proclaimer of good news and embodiment of the divine, undeserved grace. One disciple in Damascus promptly answers the call: “Here I am, Lord!” (9:10). Nonetheless, upon learning who he is, the disciple quickly becomes reluctant to feed and tend to the Lord’s newfound sheep (13-14).
In Revelation, the transformational power of the cross and the resurrection reach divine proportions. The Shepherd has become the empowered Lamb whose enduring and sacrificial love took away the sin of all who believe. All the power, blessing, honor, glory, and might now belong to Him, forever and ever, Amen (5:12-14)!
The psalmist declares:
“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,
restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name (Psalm 30:2-4; NRSVue).”
Bridging Faith 