Friday within the Octave of Easter
(Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14)
Ken Untener was bishop of Saginaw, Michigan, for twenty-four years. He was a gifted preacher with a fine sense of humor. More importantly, he was dedicated to the service of Christ’s flock. A number of years ago a book of his homilies was published posthumously. It was entitled My Name Is Ken and I Will Be Your Waiter a Long, Long Time. The name of Jesus might be substituted for Ken to understand today’s gospel.
Like a waiter, Jesus provides food for his guests. He will be serving his disciples until the end of time. His food will nourish them so that they might go out and tell others about God’s love. In today’s gospel his food is bread and fish, the same that he fed to the multitudes on the hills of Galilee. These are symbols for his very self – his body and his spirit – that sustain his disciples in hardship and bring them true happiness.
As we come forward to receive Jesus’ body and spirit, we identify with Christ’s disciples. We should also identify with them by telling others of Jesus’ ever-gracious care.
