… for the week of May 4, 2025
Grace Upon Grace
The risen Christ is difficult to recognize at first. According to today’s gospel reading from John, even as he approached his disciples on the beach, they “did not know that it was Jesus” (John 21:4). Neither did Mary Magdalene recognize him outside the tomb on Easter morning. She assumed he was the gardener (20:14-15). Apparently, resurrection changes Jesus to the extent that he appears a stranger even to his closest friends.
That is, until he makes himself known to them again. In Mary’s case, he simply speaks her name. “Rabbouni! Teacher!” she replies, newly hopeful as she carries the good news to the others (20:16-18). For the disciples in the fishing boat, it is a miraculous catch that brings Jesus’ identity to light. “It is the Lord!” the beloved disciple says to Peter, who promptly dives overboard to reach Jesus on the shore (21:7).
As the story draws to a close, Jesus returns to his disciples with signs that he will continue to be with them. He calls them by name, feeds them with abundance, and invites them again into lives of purpose: “Do you love me? . . . Feed my sheep” (21:17). In this way, the end of the Gospel of John recalls the beginning. Jesus, crucified and risen, continues to grant his followers “grace upon grace” (1:16).
Moreover, the end of John signals the beginning of Jesus’ ministry alongside disciples through the ages. The risen Jesus is a mystery to us too. We may not readily recognize him in the course of daily life. Yet even as he is hidden from view, he is also revealed. In baptism, he calls us by name. At his table, he feeds us with abundance. At the doorways of our gathering places, he invites us again and again into lives of purpose. Grace upon grace.
Christ is risen indeed. Come, follow him!
Devotional message based on the readings for May 4, 2025, reprinted from sundaysandseasons.com.
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… Happy Easter