Boys and girls, what is the difference between a sign and a symbol?
A sign tells us about something, or it tells how to go to some place.
But the sign is not what it is telling you about.
If it says: “Disneyland 365 miles.”
Then Disneyland is 365 miles away from the sign.
If the sign says “Disneyland,” we are outside of Disneyland.
The sign itself is not Disneyland.
A symbol on the other hand represents something else.
Like the cross represents crucifixion and Christ.
Or a dove will represent peace.
A flag represents the country and so on.
It points to something and represents what it points to.
In itself, like the cross, it is not Christianity. It represents Christianity.
A dove isn’t peace itself. It represents peace.
Now we get to a sacrament.
A sacrament is a special type of sign or special type of symbol.
It points to something and is what it points to.
It not only points to something of God;
it is what it points to.
It is not just what it is pointing to
or represents but it is what it points to.
For example, today we are going to have the bread and wine,
which is going to point to the Body and the Blood of Christ
and it is the Body and Blood of Christ.
It is what it points to.
Not just points to it but actually is it.
Now the reason why I bring all these signs and symbols up
is because John’s gospel is very rich with symbols and signs.
It has seven major signs throughout the gospel
but it is full of symbols and deep meanings.
For instance, in today’s readings there are subtle symbols
that represent some important notes for us.
For example, the disciples fishing at night
and Jesus arrives at the dawn.
It is very subtle.
The darkness represents sin and
light represents goodness and God;
Jesus is the Light of the World, who comes at dawn.
He is there waiting for them, telling them to come and have breakfast.
Boys and girls there is another symbol that is very important
It is the number of fish that they catch; that number is 153.
It is a strange number, isn’t it?
Why 153 large fish?
Because they believed at that time in history,
that there were 153 different varieties of large fish.
It was a symbolic way of saying it was all the fish in the sea.
Then it goes on to say, “The net did not break.”
This is another symbol, remembering that Christ,
when he gathers the flock of all people,
nobody will be left out.
The net represents God’s love and the net will never break;
God’s love will always catch all of us.
That’s all very interesting right?
But here is where the most important part of today’s reading,
it is the dialogue with Peter at the very end.
Boys and girls, does anyone know why Jesus asks Peter three times,
“Do you love me”?
I will give you a hint: charcoal is the key to unlock this passage.
I know it sounds funny.
But charcoal is mentioned in this reading
and only mentioned one other time in the gospel of John.
It was the three times that Peter denied Jesus;
and it happened at a charcoal fire.
Yes, a charcoal fire; we have to love the writing!
Don’t you just appreciate the tricks?
It is fun but the point is, it was about the denial by Peter.
Peter is reminded that he is forgiven three times
but that his role is to go and to tend the sheep;
it is to pass on that forgiveness to others;
to be the follower of Christ.
And that is why the last words in today’s gospel “Follow me.”
Come. Follow me.
And that is what Jesus keeps saying over and over again.
Boys and girls, what does all that mean for you and your sacrament today?
Not only are you meant to be a sign that points the way to Jesus;
not only are you meant to be a symbol representing Jesus,
you are meant to be the sacrament of Jesus
in that you become what you receive.
You become the Body of Christ today when you receive it.
You become what you receive.
You are pointing to Christ in your life.
And what does that mean for us?
It means we are called to be kind.
We are called to be gentle with others.
We are called to be a follower of Jesus.
We are called to be a forgiver of others.
Boys and girls, this is your First Communion,
the first time you are receiving to become the Body of Christ;
we all take this promise every single week.
And so you are taking it now very seriously
and what you will do is promise
to be the first to forgive;
the first one to be kind;
the first one to be gentle with others;
the first one to be loving;
the first one to chip in;
the first one to point to Jesus Christ in your life.
That is the promise you make today as you come forward
and you say “Amen”, you are promising to try your hardest.
All of us adults make the same promise every single week.
It is hard work and that is why we keep coming back every week
because it is hard work and so we need the nourishment
of the Body of Christ each week to become the Body of Christ.
Boys and girls, you are not only a sign,
not only are you a symbol,
you are the Sacrament of Jesus
that points the way to God’s love in our world.
And we promise not only is this the First Communion
but we promise to be the first to be kind;
first to be gentle;
first to be forgiving;
and first to be loving.
