Weekly Liturgy : April 28 - May 4
- Monica
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
John 21:1-19
(1-3) After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 1sts the Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
(4-8) Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
(9-14) When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
(15-19) When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
REFLECTIONS
Thoughts from Monica:
I don’t know what to do so I’ll just do what I know how to do.
I’m going fishing.
Yes, come along.
The water laps the side of the boat,
lonely nets sway with the waves.
Tired head resting on fist resting on knee, a sigh.
Sunrise says it’s time to return.
This boat, our bodies, turn to the beach.
He's there, seeing us. What does his face say?
Familiar friend,
familiar advice
as the nets find their bounty again, a mystery.
Why wait for shore’s kiss... I'm swimming!
A fire warms wet skin, fish cracks and sizzles,
bread broken on its beach.
Our pace slows, and
as gentle ripples arrive ashore,
three questions, three confessions,
three.
I see it. What’s happening here.
I tighten,
then relax
into the dance,
Love's invitation.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Who in your life feels “unseen?” Think of a small way you can help them feel more seen, known, or even loved this week.
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Listen for the needs underneath the normal requests or questions being asked. Can you pick up on a deeper motivation or desire in those you work or live alongside?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Nature: Being outdoors and in natural creation.
Take a slow walk and look for something you might normally miss. Are there new leaves bursting through right next to crusty blossoms from last year? Where is the moss or lichen thriving? Is that a slug or a stick? Take note of nature and see if there’s any connection to or lesson in what you’re experiencing in your ordinary life.
Questions for Reflection
What’s your go-to “I don’t know what to do so I’ll just do that” pastime? In what ways could you invite God or others into it with you? When might it also be helpful to go it alone and enjoy a bit of quiet solitude? If you feel prompted, express gratitude for the benefits of both types of experiences.
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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