Gospel: John 21: 1-14
Throughout the Gospels Jesus has used meals and table fellowship as the way in which to bring healing and restoration to those who are on the margins of society, those alienated from others, and those labeled as sinners. In today's Gospel passage Jesus continues that practice in a post-resurrection appearance to his disciples who are in need of such restoration.
Recall that these disciples who one by one all swore to die with Jesus abandoned him and ran away. What is more, Peter, the one Jesus chose to be leader, denies him three times. So Jesus recreates the scene of Peter's denials by setting up a mean before a charcoal fire, and he invites everyone to eat, to be restored to bodily and spiritual health - to be restored in their relationship with Jesus and with one another.
The Eucharist is the meal of reconciliation and restoration for us. It is the continuation of Jesus' ministry of reconciliation. By our participation in this table fellowship we are restored in body and soul, restored in our relationship with the Lord and in our relationships with one another. The Eucharist is not a reserved table as a reward for the elite; it is an open table where all are welcome to find refreshment, healing, and grace.
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