Simon, son of John

Simon, son of John

Abandoning the epithet ‘Rocky,’
the irony of which would be overwhelming;
Jesus adopts the more formal
“Simon, son of John,” in addressing
his failed lieutenant. At least, that is the way
that Gospel-writer John tells his story,
apparently added as a significant afterthought
to his opus. The lakeside appearance,
as it is commonly known, takes place up north,
in Galilee, away from the drama,
the disgrace and the shame
of the great southern city. At dawn.
The day is new, the water wet and cold,
as the self-doubting disciple plunges in
to be immersed and cleansed again,
and to humbly receive the affirmation
that comes by grace, along with the call,
once more, that will be his restoration.
For the one who is baptised
there is work remaining to be done,
light that must continue to be shone;
hope waiting to be nurtured,
and love to be enacted.
“Feed my sheep.”