Third Sunday of Easter Homily – Year B
Readings:
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
l Jn 2:1-5
Lk 24:35-48
Homily
When a Fish fostered Faith
“To that fact we are the witnesses” (Acts)
“You are witnesses to this” (Lk)
To sell fish, a fisherman painted a signboard reading, “Fresh Fish is Sold Here.” To disturb business, his foe said, “You don’t sell stale fish, do you? So, why write ‘fresh’?” Agreeing, the fisherman painted a new signboard with just: “Fish is Sold Here.” Once again, his foe suggested, “Obviously, you’re selling fish here, not there!” Nodding his agreement, the fisherman went back and returned with a new signboard – “Fish is Sold.” Now, the foe appeared a third time and said, “Anybody with eyes will see that you’re selling fish, not meat! Wipe off the word ‘fish’!” The gullible fisherman was so confused that he wanted to make still another signboard, forgetting that he was selling fish! if there is something one really believes in beyond doubt, then, one must cling to that truth even if people offer advice, suggestions and even threats to change one’s beliefs. I’d imagine that the frightened fishermen-followers of Jesus were in the same predicament as the fisherman of our story as they sought to comprehend Jesus’ life-death-resurrection, and, more importantly, to proclaim Him. Today’s readings help us to trace out their ‘faith-journey’ from doubt to faith, from dread to fearlessness.
The ‘Acts of the Apostles’ is a continuation of Luke’s Gospel; and, today’s gospel highlights an ‘apparition scene’ (in continuation with the apparition of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus that strengthens Peter 8: co.’s belief in Jesus’ resurrection. Experiences like this become the foundation for Peter’s fearless preaching in today’s first reading. Let’s begin with a little detail in the gospel, namely, the fish that Jesus ate!
It seems strange, but theologians of yore spent sleepless nights trying to figure out what happened to the fish that Jesus ate! Was Jesus’ resurrected body capable of digesting fish? Obviously, instead of inquiring into the ‘what’, we should ask ‘why’ did Jesus eat the fish? Three reasons seem probable: (3) Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that the risen, resplendent Lord was that same crucified Jesus, and thus there was need for bodily identification, (b) to be a true ‘witness’ one had to visibly and tangibly get first-hand experience, and Jesus wanted his disciples to be bold witnesses, and (c) the act of ‘eating’ is Eucharistic and sacramental, dealing with fellowship and forgiveness. Jesus wanted his friends to know that he had forgiven them and they would be instrumental in drawing future generations to him.
The foregoing reasons seem validated in the first two readings. Notice how in the ‘Acts’ Peter boldly declares, “We are witnesses,” just as the Gospel ends with: “You are witnesses to this.” Secondly, this witnessing is not some figment of the followers’ imagination, but is based on seeing, hearing, touching: “Touch me and see for yourself!” says Jesus. Finally, the ‘second reading from John’s second letter speaks about Jesus who takes away the sins of the world. Peter too calls his hearers “to repent and turn to God.” In Christ, truly, we experience forgiveness, reconciliation and salvation.
The devil once wanted to deceive a holy woman and appeared to her disguised as the risen Lord. “I’ve come to save you, my child!” said the devil. The woman looked up and said, “If you are Christ, show me your wounds!” At this the devil replied, “I’ve come from heaven; in my glory!” The woman cried, “Get away, Satan! A Christ without wounds is no Christ!”
The risen Lord appears to us, today, glorified, but marked with the wounds of his passion. He wants you and me to be his witnesses, here, now! Like that fisherman’s signboard, our lives should loudly proclaim, “Jesus is Saviouri Here! Now!” Witnessing brings perils, persecutions and even death. In 2006, Afghan Abdul Rahman (4 l) was convicted to death for converting to Christianity. He refused to disown Christ despite the death sentence. Peter died witnessing. And, martyrs like Rahman are ready to die for their faith, today. What about you and me?
