Easter III: Two Tales of Resurrection

Today's readings include two very different resurrection stories.  The first, in Acts 9, describes the dramatic conversion of Paul from mainstream Judaism to the Jesus Movement. The account is in disagreement in almost every detail from Paul's earlier telling of the story, but an historic element is not what is truly important. Any first-century Jewish reader would have recognized that the tale is based on the story of the conversion of Heliodorus, which appears in the Catholic Old Testament in the book of II Maccabees, the third chapter.  Heliodorus, on behalf of Syrian authorities, enters the Jewish Temple to carry out his misdeeds.  A bright light appears and he is thrown to the ground, blind.  He is then nursed by the High Priest, regains his sight, and becomes a promoter of Judaism.  In the story of Paul he represents Jewish authorities, is on his way to persecute Christians, and is thrown to the ground by a blinding light, which is the Risen Christ.  Paul is nursed by one Ananias and becomes a convert to the Jesus Movement.  The passage then ends with Paul proclaiming in a synagogue that Jesus is Son of God.  What is important is that Paul was open to God's new thing, willing to change course..

In the second reading, in the twenty-first chapter of John, we find Peter going back to "business as usual," commercial fishing.  As he does so, Jesus appears on the shore and, by his presence, triggers a huge catch of fish for Peter & Company.  Then he trumps the Last Supper with the First Breakfast where they recognize him in the "breaking of bread."  The symbolism is palpable.  The apostles must return to fishing for people, Jesus' continuing presence will ensure great success, and in the Eucharist Jesus will be present and recognized, and spiritually feed his successors and their flocks.

Next, Jesus engages in a strange conversation with Peter.  Now that Peter's attention is back on the apostolic mission, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him and Peter says sure.  However, Jesus employs a Greek verb implying self-sacrificial, other-directed love even to death.  Peter replies with a different, and lesser, verb for love.  Then the exchange is repeated.  Finally, a third time Jesus asks, but using the lesser Greek verb himself and receiving the same reply from Jesus.  (Notice that Peter has now done penance for his denial of Jesus three times.)    We don't know whether Peter was hurt because the question was posed three times, or because Jesus used a less intense verb.  In any event, Jesus concludes the passage by making it clear to Peter that he will indeed die for him, a manifestation of the highest form of love.

These stories challenge us to be always open to God's new directions for our lives and community, and like Peter to accept the unconditional commitment that Jesus makes on our lives.  He will not settle for less.