IT IS THE LORD!

PRAYER MOMENT             

Easter Friday, 25 April 2014

IT IS THE LORD!

Pause. Be there by the lake

Reading: “At these words, ‘It is the Lord’, Simon Peter, who had practically nothing on, wrapped his cloak around him and jumped into the water.” (John 21:1-14)

Reflection. One explanation for this chapter, an afterthought when John’s gospel was already finished, is that it was composed to correct some deviations creeping into the communities founded by John and his disciples. They were going it alone – “you have no need of teachers” – and the early church was discovering the tensions that lead to breakaways. So the chapter emphsises the role of Peter as the shepherd and the abundance of the harvest that is to be expected when working together in his boat. This is a rather “Catholic” interpretation but at any rate it allows us to recall the desire for unity which comes through in the Easter appearances, a desire we all share even though we may approach it differently.

Prayer. Lord, you consoled and strengthened your friends in different ways after you rose from the dead. As we celebrate these days help us to grow closer together as your people. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ