Just imagine what the disciples had been through since beginning to follow Jesus, but especially in the most recent days. I am sure they were each dealing with the shame of having abandoned him. One of their own, Judas, outright betrayed him to the authorities for a small sum of money, and they endured the horror of the crucifixion, but also the joyful bewilderment of the resurrection. And so here we join them, back in Galilee, as Jesus had directed, having already had two resurrection experiences, and Peter says, “I am going fishing.”
How do we process all we have experienced? How do we deal with the disorienting madness the world can seem to throw our way – like COVID-19 – or the awe [some] / [full] mysticism that we may get glimpses of from time-to-time. With all Peter had been through, maybe, just maybe, he needed the time and space to try to mentally, spiritually and emotionally process all that had happened? And, as if someone unknowingly thrust into a leadership position, the others follow Peter and go fishing, in the darkness, and catch nothing.
How do we respond to sensory overload? How do we respond to emotional overload? How do we respond to mental overload? Peter goes fishing and his friends join him.
And then something healing and restorative happens and it emanates from a place inside each of us that displays our different temperaments. This is what the Saint John Chrysostom wrote about this text:
When they recognized him, the disciples Peter and [the beloved disciple] again exhibit their different temperaments. The one was fervent, the other more contemplative. The one was ready to go, the other more penetrating. John is the one who first recognized Jesus, but Peter is the first to come to him.
We are all differently gifted and we process our experiences in life differently. Whether we lunge toward Christ in active service, or contemplate Christ’s presence in silence, may we share our gifts in service to He who is risen. Peter needed to heal, and so did the beloved disciple. May we too bring our needs to Christ.
How do you respond to emotional overload? If you have a temperament like Peter, you may gain some healing sight by serving the poor. If you are more wired like the beloved disciple, you may need time to sit in quiet contemplation of recognizing Christ’s presence. In time, may we all see Christ and receive the graces he has to offer each of us.
No comments:
Post a Comment