Do You Love Me?

On Wednesday we read the second of our post-resurrection stories, from John 21:1-19.  Simon Peter and six other disciples are back home in Galilee.  Rather than sharing the amazing good new of Jesus' resurrection with everyone they can find, they return to life as they lived it before Jesus had called them.  They "go fishing," but after a long night of labor, have "caught nothing."
As the sun comes up, Jesus is standing on the shore.  They do not recognize him. He affectionately addresses them as "Children,' and asks if they have any fish, to which they reply, "No."  He urges them to cast their nets from the other side of the boat.  When they do, they receive a huge catch of fish.  Their life with Jesus is much more fruitful than without him.  The story reminds us of the story in Luke's gospel where Jesus calls some of these very same disciples for the first time (Luke 5:1-11).  It is virtually the same story, that time at the beginning.  The crucifixion has not stopped the story  of Gods love from continuing!  The memory of the beloved disciple is stirred, and he shouts, "It's the Lord!"  Simon Peter, so anguished by his failure to stand with Jesus before, responds excitedly by jumping in the water and swimming hurriedly to the shore, leaving the other disciples to haul in the catch of fish.
When the disciples get to the shore, they find fish and bread cooking on a "charcoal fire."  We realize that we heard those words once before in the story:  when Peter was confronted in the high priest's courtyard, asking if he was with Jesus, he was warming himself by a "charcoal fire!"  At that time, he denied knowing Jesus three times.  Now, in this story, we hear Jesus ask Simon Peter if he loves him--three times!  After each time, when Peter says, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you!," Jesus commissions Peter once again:  "Feed my lambs." "Tend my sheep."  "Feed my sheep."  "Follow me."  There is new life beyond failure.  There is the healing power of forgiveness.  Simon Peter will demonstrate his love for Jesus by loving others fully. "Love one another as I have loved you."
This powerful conversation only takes place after Jesus has invited all of them to an abundant breakfast, joining their catch with what he has already prepared, in a very special communion meal.
What kinds of experiences remind us of what Jesus has already taught us?  Are there places in our lives where we recognize the presence of the risen Christ?  How does Jesus tend to our failures, and inspire us to serve him in love once again?  When we celebrate communion, will you remember this story? How do we make our love of Jesus visible?