In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus appears to his disciples while they are fishing. As Peter recognizes the Lord, he jumped into the water and Jesus invited them to eat with him. Jesus said to Peter, feed my sheep.

The appearances of Jesus after his resurrection not only confirm his promise to be with us always, but they also provide a comforting reassurance of his continued presence. We are all called to witness Jesus’ real presence among us. By repeatedly appearing to his disciples, Jesus wants to clarify that he has risen from the dead and is still with us, offering a sense of security and comfort in his eternal promise.
 
Christianity calls us to be in communion with Jesus, a communion that is strengthened and nurtured by the support of our community. Christianity is not a private religion. It thrives on gathering people around the love of God that comes through the resurrected Christ. 

As an Easter people, we celebrate with our whole lives what God has done for us. Jesus, with the wounds still visible on his hands, feet, and side, still wants to be with us. Even though some of us doubt, we must recognize that Jesus was wounded for us. 
 
Jesus invites us to gather at his table. As we are fed, he calls us to feed one another. If we love him by becoming his hand and feet in the world, he will give us the heart of a shepherd.