The third resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples recorded in the gospel of John is different from the first two. It occurs in Galilee, where seven of the disciples had returned to fishing, though unsuccessfully. There is no passing through locked doors to indicate that this figure is remarkable, but Jesus repeats an action that Peter, Andrew, James, and John experienced before: a miraculous catch of fish. This leads John to recognize the man on the beach as Jesus.

Something similar happens to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, who recognize the stranger who has walked and talked with them along the way as Jesus when he blesses and breaks bread at a shared meal. A familiar action opens their eyes.

Recognizing someone through a familiar action, a remembered shared experience, is what communion is all about. We gather in Jesus' name and repeat the actions he performed at the Last Supper. And our eyes are opened. We see ourselves clearly, and are moved to confession and supplication. We see Jesus' love clearly, and are moved to trust and recommitment. We see our brothers and sisters clearly, and are moved to forgiveness and reconciliation. We gain all the things Jesus' presence must have mediated to those who knew him---warmth and wonder, cleansing and approval, energy and direction. It is so satisfying.