Have you ever found yourself in a circumstance that you would never have chosen on your own? How did that feel? What harm did that circumstance cause to your fundamental sense of who you are. How you address it? Do you sense that now? If you have ever known that, or if you are experiencing it now, does faith make a difference.
In the Gospel of John’s accounting of the risen Christ, there is a story in which Jesus’ disciples have returned to fishing. To their surprise, the risen One appears to them, telling them how and where to catch fish. After they are joyously reunited, they share a breakfast on the beach. During the meal, Jesus asks Peter three times very directly, “Do you love me?” Peter affirms three times that he indeed does love Jesus. Many surmise that the threefold question and response allows Peter a chance to repent of his three denials on the night before Jesus’ death. After this series of questions, Jesus says to Peter, “When you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” Even in resurrection faith, we learn, Peter and we must address this stark reality: we don’t always get to choose many aspects of our path. But we do get to choose how we embrace them, who we invite along with us, what we choose to nurture as our centering orientation.
Let’s chat about this Sunday at St. Mark’s, as the sermon is titled, “Grace for Traveling On a Path You Did Not Choose.” The Biblical text for the day, John 21: 1-19, which will be read by Lisa Kurz. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong will lead us in music. The Chancel Ringers under the direction of Lois Leong will play for their final service of the spring season, and we'll say a grateful goodbye to Lois as she leaves for her new job in Abington, PA. We will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion, sing, and have a moment for children. We hope you will join us.