麻豆社

Good Morning.

There鈥檚 an odd little incident right at the end of St Luke鈥檚 Gospel. It鈥檚 the evening of Easter Day, and Jesus鈥檚 disciples are gathered in the room where they鈥檇 shared their final meal with him. Jesus himself appears among them, and shows them the wounds of his crucifixion. He invites them to touch him to confirm he isn鈥檛 a ghost. Then, as further proof, he asks for something to eat. Luke tells us they give him a piece of broiled fish. St John, in his final chapter, picks up a similar theme, describing the risen Jesus preparing a fire by the lakeside, to share breakfast with his disciples when they鈥檝e landed their catch.

When the gospel writers give us such details, it鈥檚 because they matter. In earlier days, fish have been how Jesus has miraculously fed crowds of several thousands. Now, post Easter, it is Jesus himself who is being fed. The fish will go on to become one of the earliest Christian symbols. To be offered fish, is symbolic of being given the gospel. Much later St. Teresa of Avila will famously say that the task of Christians is to be the hands and eyes, feet and mouth of Jesus on Earth. So I read these stories as indicating a transfer of responsibility. From now on, whilst Jesus will be with them spiritually, the disciples will need to carry forward his work themselves. It will be Peter, James, John and the others who succeed them, who will feed the people of Jerusalem, of Rome and ultimately of all nations.

So today I pray:

Lord Jesus, help me, by my words and by my deeds, to feed your people with the good news of your love. Amen.