Dear Friends
In the midst of an election campaign, our thoughts invariably turn to leadership and who we believe should lead our country. Some leaders unashamedly promote themselves and their superior leadership qualities while others talk about their party’s performance in government or opposition as the case may be. Humility is not easy to find and at times campaigns easily become bogged down in peripheral issues, some very personal and some that distract from people’s genuine concerns. We know too how quickly political rivals, voters and the media are ready to pounce!
Being a leader is a challenge and we come to realise that we don’t just take on responsibilities automatically and do them well. We need to grow into various roles… as husband, wife, parent, leader, professional person… with a bit of ‘trial and error’ along the way!
Leadership underpins the Scripture readings today with Peter having the highest profile. As we reflected on Thomas’ journey to belief in the Risen Jesus last Sunday, we realised that virtually every person named in the Gospel was a doubter, with the exception of Mary the mother of Jesus. The community was not expecting Jesus’ Resurrection – including the women and the disciples – though we realise now that their different experiences of fear, grief and doubt prepared them to meet him. As we reflect back, they were doing the best they could but the women were more open to recognising Jesus than the men.
Several visited Jesus’ tomb - Mary of Magdala, the other women and Peter and John – and the experience affected them in different ways as they gradually came to believe. The Gospel scene today is a classic one as the disciples take important steps in their faith journey. They had returned to their old occupation as fishermen – perhaps an indication that they were not yet convinced of Jesus’ Resurrection – but are having a bad night on the lake.
For some strange reason, they took the advice of the stranger on the shore to try another location – finally experiencing success! Who is this man? Even amidst their doubts, they recognised their Risen Lord. John, the beloved disciple, first recognised Jesus from the boat and prompted Peter – ‘It is the Lord!’
I love the familiarity of Jesus’ invitation, ‘Come and have breakfast!’ The disciples knew it was Jesus. It was after breakfast that Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ – 3 times at that. Typically, Peter reacted but Jesus affirmed him in his leadership role, ‘Feed my sheep.’ How will Peter do this? By responding generously to Jesus’ invitation, ‘Follow me!’ At different times and in diverse ways, you and I do just that.
This weekend, we celebrate 2 young Augustinians who are responding positively to Jesus’ invitation to ‘Follow me!’ Brother Huyao Zhang becomes a Deacon, ordained by Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, in Holy Spirit Church, St Clair, and Father Tuan Anh Le presides at the 9.30am Mass in St Kieran’s. We congratulate and affirm both men on their courage to follow Jesus as Augustinians.
Indeed, each of us is being called by the Risen Jesus in our daily lives – ‘Follow me!’ As we respond, we too will know – ‘It is the Lord!’