Sermon - 2016-04-09

Today within our Gospel, we hear of the conversation between Jesus and his disciples.  As we hear this message, let us not forget that we are disciples too. Let us go back and look at the conversation and the message that is in there for each and everyone of us.  

The first thing that we hear from the disciples is that they go and do what it is that they are wanting to do.  The very work that Jesus called them from to be disciples.  They go fishing.  There is nothing like going out on a beautiful lake and wrestling with a fish, only to be able to enjoy it over the fire that night.  However, when the disciples went fishing, they caught nothing.  NOTHING!  It was this simple act which reminds us that without God leading us, we will get nothing.  Even if we are doing the very thing that we think God is calling us to do, and we want to do.  

However, from the sea shore, Jesus calls out to them, “Cast your nets on the right side.”  Really?  A simple change like that, what could possibly change from casting the nets from the left side of the boat or the right side of the boat.  Yet, perhaps that was not the only change that was present within the fishermen and their fishing. For now God was with them and leading and guiding them. Their nets were so full of fish that they struggled to bring the nets to the shore.  

There are moments in our life, that we feel that God is doing the same within our life, and we do not feel or even see God standing right before us.  It is harder, but it takes faith.  

Or let’s continue in the Gospel, and the conversation.  As Jesus is sitting with his disciples for breakfast, he takes Simon Peter and asks him the same question three times.  Yet it is this conversation that has great significance for Simon Peter and for us.  Remember, Simon Peter was the one who denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.  Now Jesus is restoring the work and reminding Simon Peter that it is the work of making disciples that is an ongoing effort, and one that can never be turned away from.  

Jesus asks Simon Peter, “Do you love me more than these?” He answers with “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  But Jesus response is one that we should all listen to, “feed my lambs”.  A lamb, being a baby sheep, is one that is full of energy and wanting to explore the wonders of creation, but also does not understand the limitations and dangers that also surround it.  Yes, here we are reminded of the work of the parents to children, but also for the whole community to care for the young as we are part of the flock of the Kingdom of God.  

Jesus continues the conversation with the same question, “Do you love me?” Simon Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus responds with, “tend my sheep”.  Now the lambs have grown, they have learned some very important lessons, but still need guidance, still need the care of the flock, and above all to know that they are a part of it.  

Jesus continues with his final question, “Do you love me?” By this time, the Gospel notes that Simon Peter is getting frustrated.  He answers Jesus question more fully, but probably without even realizing it, he says everything that Jesus was asking of him.  “Lord, you know everything.  You know that I love you.” Simon Peter admits that God is indeed God.  That God knows all and understands all.  However, Jesus is asking fully and completely, are you with me and willing to follow wherever I ask you to go?  Jesus wants all of Simon Peter, not just for a time of our life but for the whole of our life.  Jesus tells Simon Peter, “feed my sheep.  Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.”  This is truly the calling of a disciple of Jesus Christ.  It is not a job that you retire from.  It is not a task that you can check off the list and be done with it.  It is a calling that fulfills every aspect of your life.  Every thought, every decision, and every part of your life is filled with God’s Holy Spirit and what you are wrestling with.  What is God calling me to do and be in the world?

As you go forth today, may you be filled with food, with nourishment, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Being reminded of the joyous Easter, may you continue on your journey of life and faith, hearing the call of Jesus always. Amen.