Rev. Gordon Timbers Gordon has served in curriculum development with "The Whole People of God" and "Seasons of the Spirit" resources. He currently shares ministry with the congregation of Unionville Presbyterian Church in Markham, Ontario as well as enjoys his new status as a grandfather!

What an evocative tag-line this is for another issue of ecumininet online! e-zine, especially when linked to the story of the catch of fish in John 21:1-14. This passage, the epilogue to John’s gospel, describes the final interaction between the disciples and Jesus. It is a bridging moment, just as a birthday celebration bridges a year passed with all the potential and possibility of the year ahead. It is just as the e-zine moves forward from celebrating its 7th birthday and as we all move from the recent celebration of Easter to new life in Christ.

The epilogue in John 21 brings the gospel story full circle, back to Galilee, where the story began. There is beautiful literary symmetry in this story about fishing that recalls how the disciples were called to leave their boats to join the ministry of Jesus in a very different kind of fishing. It is also a wonderful story of hope as it gives Peter (and by extension, each of us) a new beginning as it provided him with three opportunities to undo his three public denials of association with Jesus.

None of us would want our story to end as Peter’s would have at chapter 20, so it is an encouragement for us to have John 21 that tells a story that puts Peter in a better light. Peter the coward becomes Peter the rock, and in that transformation there is hope for all of us.

We see that hope emphasized in where we find Jesus in this story. There he is, cooking breakfast on the beach. What he is doing is as important to the story as where he is doing it. Christ’s actions; frying fish and baking bread and his location on the shoreline, declares his continuing presence and accessibility. Jesus is visible, easy to reach, involved with us in the activities of everyday living, and when the connection is made he provides nourishment.

What wonderful modeling this is for us as we connect with one another. Through vehicles such as ecumininet online! and in our interactions within our congregations and communities, we can support and nurture one another. And the way that this happens in this story is a special kind of communion in which Jesus says again, “Remember me. Follow me.” We hear again his invitation to move forward with him into all the potential and possibility ahead.

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