Ann Pierce Arnett, Diaconal Minister, retired, Member of St. Luke’s since November 1946

John 21:4-14
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 some clothes, for he was naked, 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. 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.

Reflection:
This is the last scene recorded in John’s Gospel. I love the way it draws us into the story. On this early morning, we are all in the boat watching the horizon, wondering what will happen today. It’s still so dark, but fishing is always about waiting. The air is heavy with uncertainty. And when we haul in the net again, it’s empty.

These days in quarantine have felt like so much waiting and uncertainty as well. Bob and I have been retired for many years, and we are grateful for our regular daily routines. But we miss gathering with our family even though we have stayed in touch through texts, photos, and zoom calls. I have started cooking again, which I had pretty much given up years ago after our kids moved out on their own, and those long unopened cookbooks have been very helpful. I had to look up the conversion tables in the index – how many ounces in a cup? And we mask our faces and wash our hands 50 million times a day probably like you all do as well. Our long-anticipated travel plans have been canceled for now. We’re doing okay. We do not want the virus, and we certainly do not want to give it to anyone else. So, yes, we are grateful for our daily rituals, but in reality much has changed.  

I’m so grateful that my long-time girlfriend’s book club is still meeting via zoom; my Prayer Shawl ministry still needs my knitting, and I’ve been streaming St. Luke’s worship and zooming with the Gene Decker Study Class among other St. Luke’s groups, discussing healing in scripture and Unlearning Racism. These have been so positive for my health and heart as we wait and watch. I have also continued to spend many happy hours in my garden. Sadly, our housekeeper came down with the virus. I was so worried for her but we stayed close with many phone calls. And, thank goodness, she is improving. In the meantime, Bob and I found our vacuum cleaner in the back of the hall closet and we bought new brooms and a mop. It’s not the same. Boy, do I miss Jolene!  

As I sit with the disciples in their fishing boat I sense their aimless attempts at fishing, but I understand how easy it is to lose hope in work and can feel how hard it is to keep on keepin’ on. Things have changed. It’s not the same. So now what? I wonder what they are thinking. But they don’t say much as their eyes scan the horizon for any signs of fish and possible storms. 

But then Jesus calls out, “Cast your nets on the other side.” Try something different. They know his voice. It is trustworthy and encouraging.

Our neighbors have all remained virus-free and so we have enjoyed happy hour out in our various front yards over the past months. I think we know them better now than we ever did before. Not the way I would have liked to have gotten to know them better, but we were all soooo busy…It has been unexpected and we are blessed even more now. 

So our routines have changed. Bob and I have added a popcorn break at 3 p.m. every afternoon when we stop and sit down and catch up on our day. This is the time we thank God for our health and our family and our friends and we share our concerns and our hopes and our memories. 

Everyone is moving quickly now. All the disciples in the boat are working together as we cast the net on the other side and fill it with so many fish, more than we ever could have imagined. Everything has changed. We can see Jesus is with us – waiting for us as we head to the shore and he has already prepared our breakfast. He is our host. As I imagine myself sitting down on the sand with John and Peter and the others I see that we are all relaxed and enjoying the bread and the fish. And the day is just beginning. It is enough. It’s an ordinary scene. Work, encouragement, friends, food for the journey. Ordinary, yes, and nonetheless sacred. 

During these past months in quarantine, I’ve been texting photos of flowers I see on my walks to a friend. Last week she sent me a photo she had taken of a glorious early morning sky. It reminded me of a United Methodist prayer I learned many years ago. Let this be our prayer this morning.

Closing Prayer:
New every morning is your love great God of light and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your son, our savior, Jesus, Christ, our Lord. Amen.