Homily: Friday in the Octave of Easter 2023

Friday in the Octave of Easter 2023 (John 21:1-14) “A Second Chance”

There are many questions about this resurrection appearance of Jesus. It seems to repeat a story that took place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus was calling the apostles there was also a story of a miraculous catch of fish. Is this the same event? Or are these two separate miracles.

We could look at this another way and say that the Apostles are being called a second time. The first time they were called they fell in love with Jesus. We might say this love was an infatuation. If the ministry was doing well, they were confident in the Lord. The apostles lost their certainty when the crucifixion came. It was going to be tough to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, not easy.

Jesus did not give up on his weak apostles, however. He came back to them after the resurrection. He asked for a second commitment in light of what they had experienced on Easter weekend. The second commitment the apostles made was a much more realistic one.

The second call held up when personal persecutions came. The apostles were willing to sacrifice everything, even their very lives to be the leaders Christ needed.

This is a lesson we might take to heart. When we first make a commitment to a Christian community it might seem exhilarating at first. We can think about the men and women who joined our church Easter weekend. They are very enthused right now. But there will come a day when some disillusionment seeps in. A parish member might do something less than admirable or parish leadership might make a controversial decision. These things will inevitably happen.

Then, the moment of truth will be at hand. A choice will have to be made to commit to an imperfect church or not. Growth in Christian virtue comes with this choice. Mature commitment does as well.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever been upset with another church member? What did I do about it?

2.   Has the leadership of my parish ever done something I have disagreed with? Was I surprised when this happened?

 Dear Parishioners,

           This Sunday we will be having a children’s Mass at our 9:15 service. If you have smaller children, you might want to bring them so they might participate. We will call the children forward for a special sermon.

          We also will be having Coffee Cafe’ in our Gathering Center. If you have not been to an event in this new space, this is your opportunity to come and explore.

          Invite a friend this Sunday to our Masses who might not have a church home. We would love to meet them.

          May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

          Fr. Mark