Have You Anything Here To Eat? (Luke 24:41)

"Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed." (Luke 24:39)

Today's first reading from the 'Acts of the Apostles' is more like a follow-up of Luke's Gospel, whereas the gospel passage highlights an 'apparition scene'. This is in continuation with yesterday's gospel, where the two disciples encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. The experiences of Peter and his companions have become the foundation of Peter's preaching in today’s first reading.

However, this gospel passage has given theologians sleepless nights, trying to figure out what happened to the fish that Jesus ate! Was Jesus' resurrected body capable of digesting food? The resurrected Christ proves that he is flesh and blood. He says, "Touch and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have." He speaks and is even hungry that is why he asks them, "what's for supper?" None of us know what kind of a body we will have in Paradise. But, there is a hint in St. Paul's letter to Philemon 3:21, "the Lord will transform our lowly bodies into copies of his own body." That does sound like we are going to go first class, and besides so many are unhappy with their bodies.

Now, instead of inquiring into the 'What' happened to the fish, we should delve into the ‘Why’ did Jesus eat the fish? Three reasons seem probable:

*Jesus wanted the disciples to realize that the risen, resplendent Lord was that same crucified Jesus, and thus there was need for bodily identification.

*To be a true ‘witness’ one had to visibly and tangibly get first hand experience, and Jesus wanted his disciples to be bold witnesses.

*The act of ‘eating’ is Eucharistic and Sacramental, dealing with fellowship and forgiveness. Jesus wanted his friends to know that he had forgiven them and they would be instrumental in drawing future generations to him.

There is a sharp contrast in the risen Christ. He appears to us glorified, but marked with the wounds of his passion. He is found eating and cooking most of the time. He speaks no angry words, displays no anxiety and has no enemies. Jesus wants us to be his witnesses here and now! Witnessing does bring perils, persecutions and sometimes even death. The shadows of death may be long and dark, but the Easter gospel tells us that it will not last forever.

"Thank you Jesus, for redeeming me from sin and for blessing me with eternal life."