by Rev. Kathy Newton-Dunton
We’re living in a polarizing and troubling climate that at times places great emphasis on independence versus interdependence. While there are benefits to being an independent person at seasons in our lives, yet our relationship with self should never be a substitute for being relational with God and others. God create us to be relational and there is a blessedness in connectedness.
Independence without limits has tendency to isolate and distort perspectives tempting one to believe they have to be their own source and resource to life’s problems.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I am particularly drawn into sacred texts, spaces and places where workings of trauma have disrupted lives, distorted perspectives and distressed communities.
It has been noted that trauma is not necessarily an event but rather its ones response to the event that disrupts normal life functioning.
I believe John 21:1-19 gives readers a significant snapshot of what trauma looked like in the life of the early disciples.
The tragedy of Friday has disrupted memory, ushered in fear and caused the once focused and committed disciples to return to an old life of self-reliance and prudence, returning to fishing for fish, rather than fishing for souls of men.
They had seen Jesus two times already should not they have been clear on their assignments to continue the ministry of Christ and seeking avenues to share the good news? No. They went back to a safer way of living. Trauma alters how we see life.
Even though unsuccessful at fishing, until Jesus gave instructions (let down your nets on the right side), I believe they were instinctively driven by trauma to return to what was familiar and safe.
The trauma response is fear, shock, panic, anxiety, disbelief, disconnect and the list goes on. In the face of threat we flight, fight or freeze. Would you say the disciples at this point are trauma victims? Disconnected? Disbelief? Fearful? Anxious? Forgetful?
Although we can not fully comprehend all that the disciples were feeling, yet I believe given their actions or inactions in this text the experts would categorize them as trauma victims.
While this text shows readers the spiritual and emotional trauma of early disciples, on the other hand, it offers hope to the traumatized. Which at anytime can be you and me as there is a fine line between mental health and mental illness.
Seemingly, at the peak of the disciples’ disorientation due to trauma, Jesus graciously provides provision, presence and purpose which reorients and reconnects them to the divine and to their purpose.
As they returned from fishing, Jesus stood on the shore; even though they didn’t know who he was. Yet seeing they had no fish he instructed them told them how to catch fish, “cast down your net on the right side .” Their net was filled so much they were unable to lift it. Then they said, it is the Lord. They were reoriented to Jesus who met their current physical needs.
Then inviting them to the table to eat bread and fish saying , “come and eat breakfast,” Jesus spiritually nourished them. Isn’t it just like Jesus to invite our weary souls to calm spaces that reorients and connects afresh us to God who is with us?
In our most challenging times the disoriented person can find a safe space with God who’s always inviting us sit, eat, rest and bask in God’s presence.
John’s gospel depicts a fleshly Jesus who describes himself as, I Am. Going on to say, “I Am Life and I Am the Resurrection“. In Christ we have life and through Christ resurrection is an ongoing phenomenon. We’re continually rising from that which seeks to blind us from seeing God and enjoy the blessedness of connectedness with the divine.
Jesus offered his ancient disciples the gift of connection whereby they were re-oriented, reassured and ready to journey with a God who promised to be with them and likewise with us. This is the blessing of being connected to a God who sees all, knows all and possesses the power change downward trajectories of life.
This is soup for the soul.