(Published by The Southerner, Sunday May 4,2025)

By Richard Charles Ofou (Charles Lwanga Jnr)

(JOHN 21:1-19, ACTS 5:27-33, 41-42)
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”
Still celebrating the beauty of Christ’s Resurrection, the risen Lord who never dies; Christ continues to show himself to the apostles. This is not just to encourage them but to strengthen them, knowing full well that fear and anxiety must surely come calling in this world of uncertainties. However, He, Christ, is ever-present (… I will be with you till the end of time. Matthew 28:20b).
Reflecting on the Gospel of John 21:1-21, there are many metaphorical symbols pointing towards the future: the mission of the Church. The gospel passage could be split into four parts for better reflection. First, is the desertion of the mission mandate to return to our former life (John 21:2-3). Second, is the emergence of Jesus and the miracle of the fish. Third, is the communion, the food for the mission (John 21:12-13). Fourth, is the reaffirming of the mandate and Peter’s role in the Church mission (John 21: 15-17) and finally is the concluding comments of Jesus towards Peter and the other apostles (John 21: 18-19).
In the first part, we could see Peter who was supposed to organize and encourage the other apostles on the mission of reaching out to people, proclaiming the Good news of the risen Lord, is now the man leading them to the old life; instead of fishing souls, they are fishing fishes. This is very common in our daily life as many times we abandon the responsibilities entrusted in our care, also leading others to do same because, knowingly or not, directly or indirectly, our actions influences those around us. This could be for too many reasons; psychological, personal or social just as the apostles for fear of the Jews had to return to their simple life.
Secondly, the risen Lord aware of the ordeal and fears of the apostles had to come visiting them and to encourage and strengthen them knowing full well that of their own merit, they cannot carry out the assignment. This was evident in their tireless efforts to have a catch, yet could not catch anything, until Christ came into the picture, exercise his authority as God over nature that they could have more than enough, pointing to the fact that obedience to the voice of God is paramount to our success in life.
Thirdly, after the great catch, Christ invited them to the table and having already set the fire and got the bread, he requested that they bring some of the fish they got. He broke the bread and gave to them likewise the fish, pointing back to the last meal he ate with them before his death (last supper). This he did to reveal to them that he is the risen in an effort to clear any impending doubt, for none of the apostles having seen the breaking of the bread dare to ask for his identity, he has made it clear. This, also points to the fact that Jesus, the bread of Life (John 6:35 & 51-56), is always there present in the Holy Communion and anytime we come together, in a unifying factor, he’s there present (Matthew 18:19-20).
Furthermore, having strengthened the apostles with the breaking of the bread, it became very paramount to remind Peter of his mandate and role in the Church’s evangelical mission. Three times He called Peter, three times He asked him, if he loved Him and three times He gave him the mandate. He first asked Peter if he loved Him before the mandate, not just to feed but to tender for His sheep. This is because, the mission is one that must be carried out in Love and there will be no success if it does not stream out from the Fount of Love.
Finally, Christ made it bare to them that it’s not just about reaching out and tending for the sheep, he must be willing to go down, be trampled upon, and finally, your life will be laid down in exchange for the souls whom you are to win over for Him. He concluded the comment in verse 19 with the words “Follow Me” because He is the only Way, and you must follow in His footsteps.
My dear brethren in Christ, each and every one of us makes up the Church. It is not a mandate just for the apostles but for everyone. You do not need to be Peter (the Leader, Head); you can be John, James, Nathaniel, Andrew, Thomas, etc. Know that in any aspect of life you find yourself, there are those who look up to you, those whose rising is attached to yours. So, if you fail, they fail. If you rise, they rise. We cannot fail them; we cannot fail our Lord. We must reflect Him everywhere and anytime, despite the circumstances, confident that He will never abandon us. When the old self comes calling, go back to Him, find Him at the table of the breaking of bread, and He will renew your strength. Always obey His voice, for only by so doing will you find success. Above all, our goal must always be set before us, not giving in to human distractions but to that which the Lord has said: follow in His steps and be willing to accept the various challenges that must come our way in the course of the mission mandate.
We are not just fishermen but fishers of souls (… but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:38).
May the Peace and Love of God that surpasses all understanding rest and abide in your hearts.
Amen.