Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle C
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Gospel Reading John 21:1-19 (short form: John 21:1-14)
Jesus appears to the disciples for a third time after his Resurrection and shares a meal with them.
Background on the Gospel Reading
In Lectionary Cycle C, our Sunday Gospels are usually taken from the Gospel of Luke. The Gospels for the Easter Season, however, are taken from the Gospel of John. Today's Gospel is one of the post-Resurrection appearances reported by John. Recall that in John's Gospel, Jesus appears first to Mary of Magdala, second to all of the disciples except Thomas, and finally to Thomas and the disciples (which we heard last Sunday). After those appearances, John's Gospel seems to conclude with a reference to other signs that Jesus gave after his Resurrection, which have not been recorded.
Because it follows this apparent conclusion, most scholars believe today's Gospel passage (and all of John 21) to have been an addition to John's original text. Because there are significant differences between this report and the other appearances described in John's Gospel, it is quite likely that this story is from a different source. There are details in the story that recall Jesus' call to Simon Peter and the other fishermen as well as the miraculous catch of fish (found in the Gospel of Luke, with parallels in the other Synoptic Gospels). The end of the chapter, where Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him, most likely is meant to represent the reconciliation that occurred between the community represented by John's Gospel with the larger Christian community represented by Peter. This Gospel reading is a rich and textured story that speaks of Jesus' presence in the Eucharist and our commission to serve others as Jesus did.
Last week we heard that Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples in a locked room, probably in Jerusalem. In today's Gospel, the disciples are no longer in Jerusalem; they are in Galilee, returning to their work of fishing. Simon Peter is still presented in the role of leader: when he announces that he is going fishing, the other disciples follow. They spend the night fishing but are unsuccessful.
Jesus calls to them from the shore, but just as when Jesus first appeared to Mary of Magdala, the disciples do not recognize him immediately. Still, they follow the stranger's instructions and bring in a large haul of fish. It is at this point that one of the disciples (the “disciple whom Jesus loved”) realizes that Jesus is appearing to them. Upon hearing this news, Simon Peter leads the way again, jumping from the boat and swimming to shore. The other disciples follow in the boat, dragging the fish.
The disciples have brought to shore a tremendous catch of fish that Jesus has directed them to find. But once on the shore, they see that Jesus has already prepared fish and bread on a charcoal fire. Jesus directs the disciples to bring their catch of fish as well. Jesus is host at the meal that follows, feeding the disciples the bread and fish. In this detail we see allusions to the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes told in John 6.
There are also allusions in the Gospel to our gathering for the celebration of the Mass. In the Eucharist, we too are fed by Jesus in the bread and wine that have become his very Body and Blood. We also find in this story insight about the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass. The gifts we bring to the altar, bread and wine, are made from gifts that God gave first to us: grain and grapes, the fruit of the earth. God has no need of anything further. Yet God accepts the offering we bring—bread and wine, “the work of human hands”—and transforms our offering into the gift of his very presence.
After the meal, Jesus directs himself to Simon Peter. The community of John's Gospel probably looked down on Peter because of his denial of Jesus. This dialogue with Simon Peter is a reversal of Peter's three denials. Peter is forgiven. Having been restored to friendship with Jesus, Simon Peter is sent on a mission. “Feed my lambs . . . Tend my sheep . . . Feed my sheep.” These commands indicate that Peter is to be as Jesus, even unto sacrificing for the flock. As Jesus has fed Peter in this meal and as Jesus feeds us in the Eucharist, so he also sends us to follow him, asking that we offer our lives in service and sacrifice.
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May is the Month of Mary
During May all classes in their prayer time will be focusing on Mary, the first and perfect disciple. The year one and two classes will be learning the Hail Mary prayer, and its meaning. Older classes will develop an understanding of the Rosary and be regularly praying a decade of the Rosary together.
We encourage you as a family during this month to offer a Hail Mary every day for one another and particularly too, for peace in the Ukraine.
Mother's Day
We wish all Mothers a very happy Mother’s Day on Sunday and ask the Lord to continue to bless you in the precious work entrusted to you. God bless you all, protect you and keep you safe always.
Loving God,
We thank you for all mothers in the world.
Bless them so that they may always give life and nourishment to their children through their firm faith, generous and selfless love, good example and constant concern for their well being.
Grant that we, their children, may honour them always with a spirit of profound love, respect and thanksgiving.
Through Christ our Lord
Amen.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
With warm regards and God bless
Sally Washer
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| Josh, Mike, Debbie, James | Debbie Carlin | James Murray |
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| Aden Turner | Kylie McIntosh | Mike Dunston |
Welcome back to Term 2!
We're super excited that the restrictions have eased a little bit because it means that we can now get together easier and can start planning some fun things for our children and community.
We would love to welcome new faces to the PTA, especially as many of our long-standing members have left our school this year and there are just a few of us left holding the fort. And we've got some great ideas planned for the year, but we do need more parents (like you and me) to help make them happen.
Come along to the meeting next Tuesday (May 10th) at 7:15pm and see what we're all about. It's relaxed and friendly - enjoy a glass of wine and cheese.
We kindly ask that you RSVP on Facebook (https://fb.me/e/1Kytd7bai) if you're planning in coming so we can estimate numbers.
We hope to see you there!
Katie, Sarah and Lisa - Your PTA Executives
PS: We're hanging around most afternoons at pick-up by the junior playground - feel free to say 'hi'!
Free Weekly Gobsmacked Ministries Programme
The programme started on Tuesday May 3 but I am still taking enrolments next week. It will run from 5:30 - 7:30pm every Tuesday until the end of this term.
We will be singing, learning new dances and I'll be telling stories that tell the history of our world that are played out through the bible.
Come along and make some new friends with children from all over the Bay of Plenty.
AGES: 9 - 15 years
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30pm
COST: Donation if you'd like to leave one
LOCATION: TGASDA Church - 25 Moffatt Rd, Bethlehem
Also, we're planning to have our BIG 2-day Gobsmacked Ministries Holiday Programme that happens once a year in the October school holidays. We may even have Josiah Ruff, Gobsmacked's very own music producer coming over from Miami, USA which is super exciting!! So stay tuned for more information!
Also, I will personally be teaching the following after school classes every Tuesday this term.
3:45 - 4:35 - Musical Theatre Dance Class (5 - 9 year olds)
4:35 - 5:20 - Musical Theatre Dance Class (10 - 15 year olds)
Cost: $15 a lesson
Register here https://www.gobsmacked.nz/services_theatre
Singing Lessons
3:40 - 4:10 (5-9 year olds)
4:10 - 4:40 (10-15 year olds)
Cost: $15 a lesson
Register here https://www.gobsmacked.nz/services_singing
Location: TGASDA Church - 25 Moffatt Rd, Bethlehem
Kindest regards,
Patrice
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