A Few Words On "The Word"

April 22, 2007
Third Sunday of Easter, Year C

John 21:1-19

A Revealing Secret

Secrets are exciting! They make stories more interesting and have the amazingly unfortunate ability to end friendships. We often put more effort in trying to uncover a secret than in working to uphold the things we know are true. Sometimes others around us are secretive about who they are or the silent roles they may play in our lives.

For quite a few years I've had the privilege to attend a Catholic youth camp every summer. It's a time of fellowship and fun centered upon the common bond of faith we share. One of the best things about camp is the way we pray for one another. At the beginning of the week each camper draws the name of another camper to secretly pray for. Throughout the week campers try to find ways to show their secret prayer partner that they are thinking and praying for them. The walls of the dining hall are usually covered with creative signs, concrete sidewalks are typically covered in chalk, and it's not uncommon to find a note waiting for you at the end of the day.

Part of what makes the way we pray at camp special is the fact that though we don't know who is praying for us, we can still feel the power of their prayers. The prayer partners are revealed during mass on the last day of camp. Each camper washes the feet of the person they secretly prayed for while the rest of the community looks on. The surprise and gratitude each participant feels as their partner is revealed is evident.

Today's gospel tells the story of one of Jesus' many appearances after his death. The apostles have returned to their jobs as fishermen and have once again gone fishing without catching a single thing. A stranger exhorts them to try again by casting their nets on the other side of the boat. After catching a surprisingly huge load of fish they recognize the stranger as Jesus.

Like the apostles, we often fail to recognize Jesus in our daily lives. We repeatedly treat him like a secret waiting to be discovered when in reality he is right in front of us. Though it may be hard to understand, Jesus appears to us in the same way he appears to the apostles. We find Jesus in community, the sharing of meals, the breaking of bread, the love we have for each other, the service provided and the gratitude felt, the quiet prayers we pray for others expecting nothing in return, and the joy we feel when those who've secretly supported us are revealed.

One of the best parts about life after the Resurrection is the realization that Jesus is now truly among us, present in our love for each other. We now get to be Jesus for one another in a way that is secretive to some yet blatantly obvious to others. Regardless of how we are perceived, we have been commanded to continue Jesus' mission, humbly washing the feet of others and revealing Jesus to the world.

Reflection Question

In what ways have you seen Jesus in the actions of those around you? Were you surprised by what you saw?

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