Greeting Jesus as Ourselves
So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. - John 21:7
If you saw a celebrity walking down the street, how would you react? If you were to see Jesus off in the distance, how would you greet or meet Him? Recently, I saw a comedian I had seen on TV at a sporting event I attended, and I remember saying (unintentionally) loudly to my partner, “Isn’t she that one comedian?” while staring directly at the comedian. The comedian in question looked at me like a deer in headlights, as if pleading with me not to call attention to her presence, and luckily, I had the sense to continue on to my destination. But today’s Gospel got me thinking as to how I would react if I were to see Jesus.
We see how the disciple whom Jesus loved (implied to be St. John the Evangelist and the writer of today’s gospel) rather quietly tells Peter of Jesus’ presence who rushes out into the sea to greet Jesus during their fishing expedition. The difference in reactions of the two disciples does not mean either of them loved Jesus less, and Jesus still loved them both greatly and welcomed them to a warm fire prepared for their bountiful catch for them all to spend time together. If I were to greet Jesus as I am today, I honestly may be somewhat languid, weary, and unkempt as life has been challenging lately. But as the disciples greeted Jesus in their own way, I, too, would love Jesus and share in His joy and resurrection in my own way as best I could. Jesus, too, would meet me where I am and love me just as much as He did on the first day, before I was even born.
In this way, Jesus is the best guest we could ask for to enter our lives in this Easter season. He meets us however we feel like during this Easter season, reveling with us however we can best meet Him. We do not need to pretend like everything is great; we do not need to be extroverted or introverted when we are not. He will not judge us. We are called to greet Jesus as ourselves and simply recognize His presence around us. As long as we can welcome Him as we are, the Risen Christ will gladly visit and stay with us, giving us warmth and spiritual sustenance.
Dear Jesus, help me to recognize Your presence in my daily life, each day and especially during this Easter season. Regardless of where I am or how I feel, allow me to open myself up to Your warmth and love and greet You as I am, as someone loved by You.
Kevin Nguyen