ICF - Professions of Faith

Sunday 4th May 2025 - 3rd Sunday of Easter

Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19 Psalm 30

Today's Gospel reading brings into focus three core areas of work. Firstly the challenges and rewards of a working fishing crew, secondly the arena of shared food and hospitality and finally the care and nurture of animals as an illustration for Peter's calling to shepherd God's people. We might be tempted to dismiss any of these as being merely incidental and illustrative, yet even at this level, they serve to remind us that the world of work and our experience of faith constantly overlap. Whether or not these are central to the narrative, they are areas of work that continue to exist, and could at the very least shape a congregation's prayers of intercession for this Sunday.

Peter's announcement that he is going fishing might well be perceived as a statement of resignation and separation - he is abandoning his call of apostleship in favour of returning to his previous profession. Thus it could be seen to reinforce a divide between our discipleship calling and our role in work. But Jesus allows no such distinction; Jesus enters that working environment, he directs operations and shares the fruits of their labours.

Much happens during the shared meal on the lakeside. The profound truth of Jesus' resurrection is shared and discovered, previous mistakes are acknowledged and forgiven, new avenues of service are commissioned. This might be used as an invitation for a congregation to recognise the importance of hospitality and shared food. So there is opportunity to reflect on and affirm the role of those who work in the hospitality sector, to recognise the vital role they play in nurturing wellbeing and promoting community.