Sent to Preach Repentence

Homily for Friday in the Octave of Easter

The last of the appearance stories is the Gospel text for this Friday within the Octave of Easter. The sacred author records the story in great detail even going so far as to tell us exactly how many fish were caught when Jesus asked them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. This surely must have jogged Peter’s memory as it is reminiscent of the first time that he and Jesus met on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

The story begins with Peter telling some of his companions that he intends to go fishing. One would have to ask the question if this is what they should be doing? The last time they met Jesus in the Upper Room on the day of his resurrection, he commissioned them to go forth and to preach the forgiveness of sins. Yet here they are, returning to their former way of life. It is quite obvious that this last chapter of the Gospel has been added later. Perhaps it is the evangelist’s way of reminding his community that they have been commissioned by the Lord to spread the Gospel.

Indeed, the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles shows the apostles fulfilling their commission before the Jewish elders, leaders, and scribes. Using a quotation from Psalm 118, Peter identifies Jesus as the stone which the builders rejected and which has now become the cornerstone of the new community who has placed their faith in Jesus. They are quite clear in ascribing any power that they may have demonstrated to