In John 21, we see a very personal moment between Jesus and Peter. This scene re-affirms Peter’s leadership position among the disciples but even more so, it re-affirms Jesus’ love for Peter even after Peter denied him. Jesus restores, forgives, and recommissions Peter for his “what’s next.”
The same can happen for us as well. If we’ve been living in the grief and despair of the past-gone-wrong or if we’ve become embittered and driven as if we have to make up for something, then we are not experiencing the abundant joy that Jesus promised. But we can come to Jesus running, kayaking, hang gliding, or swimming like Peter and there in his presence we too can be forgiven, set free, re-tooled, and recommissioned for our what’s next. And, we may even find joy abundant in doing so. Praise be to God!
John 21: 1-19