The Good News of Easter: Jesus’ Breakfast

For me, one of the most moving invitations in the Gospel of John is one we hear today: “Come, have breakfast” (John 21:12).  Peter, Thomas, James, John, and a couple of other disciples (John didn’t tell us who they were) went fishing, and after a long night of catching nothing, Jesus appeared on the shore encouraging them to cast their nets out one more time.
 

Congratulations Confirmandi! On Saturday, Bishop Alberto Rojas came to St. Hubert to confirm our teens who spent the last two years preparing for this incredible event.  They’ve received the Gift of the Holy Spirit and will bring new life to our Church through their service to those around them.  We’re very proud of all of you. You are our hope!

Of course, they catch an extraordinary amount of fish…153 to be exact. Meanwhile, Jesus was on shore, preparing breakfast for them.  He knew they were hungry, tired and in need of a little comfort.  And so Jesus cared for them by making them breakfast, which reminds us of the way he washed their feet at the Last Supper.  (When someone makes you breakfast, it’s one of the greatest simple pleasures there is…which is why we give a heartfelt thanks to the Knights of Columbus for making us breakfast last Sunday!)

 
After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times whether or not he loved him.  Each time Peter said “yes,” Jesus told him to take care of his people. 
 
It’s a resurrection story because it leads us into new ways of thinking about Jesus’ message to the world, and a message that’s not very complicated but encased in all of scripture: Loving God and loving others are deeply connected.  In fact, we show love for God by taking the time to take care of those around us.  Jesus did it for us, and he asks us to do the same.
 
Service is a way of life for the Christian.  When we are attentive to what others need as a way of life, it changes us.  We see that goodness, charity, gentleness, and peace can begin to make their way into situations that can be dark, difficult, self-focused and mean-spirited.  Christians bring the light of hope.  So, “Come, have breakfast” is an invitation to receive God’s comfort, but it’s also an invitation to bring comfort to others. 
 
Some Good News

• Mundelein Seminary designated St. Hubert as a teaching parish for seminarians in formation for the priesthood. Last Sunday, some of our parishioners who sit on a committee to help support our 3 seminarians, were invited to Mundelein for Mass and an appreciation event.  

• Congratulations to our parishioner Emilee Baldwin who was recently named a Fulbright Scholar!  Emilee is graduating from Illinois State University as an education major and will travel to Spain to teach English as part of her scholarship experience. Many of you have seen her grow up, serve at the altar, and find ways to serve the community.  It is a tremendous honor and couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. 

We are an Easter people, as St. Augustine says, and “Alleluia” is our song.