John 21:1-14
John does not tell us why the disciples are back in Galilee, but in fact Jesus had told them to return there, where he would meet them. They seem to have been sitting around, unsure of what to do, until Peter decides to go fishing and the others come along. Peter is taking the lead, but what sort of lead is it? Some see this act as "aimless activity undertaken in desperation" that is, abandoning the Lord and returning to their former life. Others think they went fishing simply because they needed to eat. The latter is probably true enough, but there is also a sense that Peter and the others, while not necessarily aimless and certainly not apostate, are doing what is right in their own eyes. The stories in this chapter reveal Jesus' bringing his disciples, especially Peter, more completely under his lordship. The disciples do not know what to do, so they do that which is necessary, and in taking this initiative they put themselves in a place where Christ meets them. Here is the simple truth, attested to by the saints, that when we are uncertain what to do we should simply do our duty and God will guide.
We are Peter, and Peter is us. The second chance comes not through some penitential act of Peter’s, but through the sheer grace and love of Jesus himself. It could well prove to be a major turning point in our life if we would...ask ourselves if we really do intend to be life students of Jesus. Do we really intend to do and be all of the high things we profess to believe in?
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