This is the fourth and final in this short series, A Liturgy for a New Year. I’m ending with my favourite story from the Gospel of John. I come to the New Year with hope, but also with baggage from the last year, not understanding everything that happened, not appreciating yet, all that God has accomplished in that stretch of time. I need what the disciples needed (from time to time), a space to pull back, regroup, consider and be restored to return to the tasks for which I’m responsible.

Isn’t it good to know that it’s Jesus waiting on the shore?

Breakfast

Cast your nets on the other side!
he calls to friends disoriented
by recent miraculous events.
The fishermen were unsure 
what would happen now,
after giving in
to doubt, fear – failure.
So they had returned
to familiar rhythms
resting their emotions,
working their muscles.

The man on the shore
tends a fire, looks up to watch 
his friends scramble,
almost overwhelmed
by a great haul of fish – 
so unexpected, wild, crazy!
He laughs at their surprise,
delighting to bring delight.
One jumps from the boat
creating a huge splash
with his fisherman body,
and then heads straight for the man 
pushing at the water,
slowed but not slowing,
reaches him and crumples
in a heap, heaving from the effort.

Jesus laughs again,
rests a hand on Peter’s back,
bestows a blessing: Come,
get your friends and some fish. 
Let’s have breakfast.

Such genuine affection,
and friendship!  It restores me.
All my objections overwhelmed 
by the grace of a crazy good catch
and kindness. Yes, I love you.
I love you! Of course, I love you.

Then receive also
the rest of this blessing:
Feed the sheep; keep going,
begin again. Feed the sheep –
and don’t compare 
or covet another’s calling.
Just follow in the steps of, 
the one who made you breakfast.

© 2019 – Laurel Archer

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com – Free Stock Photos