Jumping into the Sea and growth in the life of St Peter

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 21:1-14*

*First Reading : Acts 4:1-12*

*Jumping into the Sea and growth in the life of St Peter*

*1) Peter Didn't jump into the Sea*

We have a first encounter of Jesus to his first disciples at the sea of Galilee

Peter, Andrew, James and John were involved in finishing in the sea of Galilee

Whole day they had tried, but caught nothing. Finally when Jesus met them, Peter lowered the nets at Jesus' word and caught a huge amount of Fish 

At this Peter realised that it was the Messiah, but he didn't jump into the sea

*2) Peter's Jump into the Sea*

In the Gospel of Matthew 14: 30 we have a incident of Jesus walking on the Water

As Jesus walked on the water and came near to the disciples, they were afraid, thinking that it was ghost 

When Jesus said, don't be afraid, because it is I, Peter said, *Lord, if it is realPeteru, then command  me to come to you on the water.*

Jesus said come and Peter jumped into the water and started to move towards Jesus 

But when he saw the wind and waves, he was frightened and began to sink. 

When he shouted, Lord save me, Jesus saved him from the danger 

*3) The second Jump of the Peter into the Water*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us, the second jump of Peter into the water 

The situation is similar, that of Fishing 

When Peter realised that it was the Risen Lord, he didn't ask anything with Jesus 

He simply jumped into the sea and moved towards the shore 

He was not frightened, neither he sank in the water

Confidently he came to the Shore 

*4) The gradual growth in the Life of Peter*

In the incident, the call of disciples, by Jesus, Peter didnt jump into the Water 

In the second incident, Peter asked Jesus and then he jumped into the water. He began to sink and had to call out Jesus for survival

In the third incident, Peter recognised the Risen Lord. He didn't not wait for the command of the Lord. Simply jumped into the water 

Here he had not fear of walking on the water. He walked and came to the shore 

We see a gradual growth in the life of Peter 

*5) Peter's life into the way of perfection*

There is a lot of difference in the First Peter, who met Jesus on the sea of Galilee, and the Peter who witnessed the Risen Christ and His reaction 

There is a gradual yet profound growth in the life of Peter, about his commitment to the Lord and about his mission for the Lord 

Peter becomes a model for all of us to follow 

*6) How about My life?*

What is the level of growth I have in my life? 

How does the Risen Lord's experience, has changed my life? 

Is there any growth in my life about Jesus and Christian spirituality? 

What can I do, to improve my commitment to the Lord? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*