A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

Third Sunday of Easter [48] Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Ps 30:2+4, 5-6, 11-12a+13b Rev 5:11-14 John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

I recently had the privilege of listening to a radio show that was reflecting on this very gospel. The hosts of the show were focusing on this passage as "Peter's Redemption" ... all because of — believe it or not - fire.

This gospel takes place after Jesus has risen from the dead, and it's one of the first times Jesus has appeared to his apostles since his resurrection. Some of the lot is out fishing, and Jesus kindly makes them a fire to cook breakfast over when they are able to haul in their overfull nets. The key to understanding this story lies in this fire. It is a charcoal fire. The same kind of fire Peter stood near to warm himself when he denied Jesus on the night of his death.

Now, I'm a girl who grew up around bonfires. I love the smell of them. The smoke permeates my clothes and my hair and sometimes I can still smell 'like fire' the next day. Any time there is a bonfire near, I perceive it immediately because I equate such great memories with them.

Peter probably had a similar experience with fire. Sure, he and the guys would make fires all the time to cook with and talk around, and I'm sure he had plenty of great memories from those wood fires. But it was that charcoal smell that reminded him of his denial and which caused him great anxiety.

However, Jesus did not want Peter to drown in his sin or regret; so, intentionally bringing Peter's denial to the forefront of his mind through the charcoal fire, Jesus ask him, “Simon, son of John, do you agape me more than these?” (Agape is a Greek word meaning 'love'. It indiates a selfless, outpouring, giving love.) Peter replies, “Yes, Lord, you know that I philia you.” (Philia is another Greek word for 'love' which implies a very affectionate, friendly, and even brotherly kind of love.) Jesus then asks Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you agape me?” Peter again replies, “Yes, Lord, you know that I philia you.” Finally Jesus changes his tone and asks Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you philia me?” to which Peter responds, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I philia you.”

Yes, Jesus knows everything, and he knew right where Peter's distressed heart was that day, smelling that burning charcoal. Jesus did not push Peter to love him more or less, but accepted him just as he was. Choosing to meet Peter in his anxiety, Jesus forgave Peter's denial a significant three times through his merciful love.

Jesus wants to meet us today in our anxiety. What is holding us back? On this third Sunday of Easter, let's take a moment to reflect on our own love for Jesus and try to fathom his overwhelming redemptive mercy.

Peace be with you throughout this Easter season!