The third Sunday of Easter presents to us a picture of the Risen Lord appearing to his disciples in the midst of work and preparing a meal for them. The Lord does not only make his present felt when the disciples are gathered in the same place. He also appears to them in the midst of their work, offering to them the nourishment he alone can give. As Exalted Lord, he does not only preside over the universe; he continues to make His presence felt through his designated representative -- Peter -- as Good Shepher of the flock. Read the relevant articles you find here and use the following as your guide for reflection.
1. The Lord appears to his disciples not only behind closed doors (as in John 20), but also in the midst of a work day. In the story provided by John of the third instance of the Lord's appearance to his disciples, the Risen Lord was recognized by the disciples only after the miraculous catch of fish.
Reflect. Perhaps you have been a part of a successfull Church activity -- a feeding program perhaps or a the repair or construction of your church building. Perhaps the success made you conscious that more than good management, it was the grace of God that helped you accomplish the task. Could you remember such an activity? What was it about? How did it make you aware of the Risen Lord's presence in your midst?
2. We often think of "Church life" in terms of communion of fellowship: of brothers and sisters breaking bread together, bearing one another's burdens and helping each other. We forget that Church life is also "mission" of being "fishers of men." The missionary life of the Church cannot be separated from its life in communion: both are integral elements of her identity as Body of Christ.
Reflect: Are you involved in the evangelization program of your community of faith? If yes, what kind? If not, why? How are you involved in the mission of Christ as "fisher of men?"
3. The Risen Lord chose Peter to tend His flock and feed His sheep. That office is carried out even now by the Pope, successor of Peter.
Reflect: Communion with Peter is one of the characteristics of the Christian life. In the Eucharistic celebration, the priest indicates that the community over which he presides is in communion with Peter by the fragment of the consecrated host he drops into the chalice of wine. How are you making that gesture of communion your own? Do you pray for the Pope? Do you sustain your faith by studying at least his homilies that are published weekly through the web (see Zenit) or his encyclicals that are made available through Catholic bookstores?
