New Normal

Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered, “No.” (John 21:5).

            I am someone who likes routine. Each day I get up at the same time. I eat pretty much the same thing for breakfast. I go for a walk about the same time every day. The television shows I watch, clothes that I purchase, kind of books I read haven’t changed much in quite a while. Many people think I am boring. But, I like it that way. This approach to life helps me to stay organized, focused and productive. My routine enables me to establish a “normal” which I find comforting. Yet, there are times when my routine is disrupted and I have learned to deal with it. Sometimes, these disruptions become permanent like when I learned I was diabetic and had to alter my diet. Adjusting to a “new normal” means acquiring a new way of thinking and acting.

            In this passage from John, seven Disciples encounter the Risen Jesus while fishing on the Sea of Galilee. The event starts the process by which they learn about their “new normal.”

            During Christ’s Earthly Ministry, his Disciples: followed him; heard his Teachings; and witnessed his Miracles. This was their “normal.” After the Passion and Death of Jesus their “new normal” looked bleak. They expected persecution by the Jewish Authorities and so hid behind a locked door. When Jesus appeared to them on Easter Evening, this outlook underwent a radical change. As he: expressed words of Peace; showed them his hands and side; gave them a Mission; and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them; they realized their relationship with Jesus was not over. His re-appearance to Thomas one week later reinforced the reality of Christ’ Resurrection. Their “new normal” combined Hope with uncertainty. These experiences probably overwhelmed them and Peter sought comfort through a return to his “old normal”: fishing. When this attempt failed (they caught no fish) the Risen Christ’s appearance led them back to their “new normal.” While this “new normal” eventually led to Peter’s death it was the right direction for his life because he fulfilled God’s plan. Christ knew his Disciples needed time before they adjusted their thoughts and actions to this “new normal” and so he was patient with them.

            Most of us look fondly on the “old normal” of the world before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It isn’t that the suffering of the refugees fleeing the conflict is much worse than that of people trying to escape from the wars in Syria, Yemen or Myanmar; it’s just that so many more Canadians are related to the victims. The Economic costs of the sanctions imposed by the West and assisting the refugees are rising. Ukraine also borders several nations who are members of NATO which Canada has pledged to defend if they are attacked. The possible spread of the war into them and use of Chemical or Nuclear Weapons by Russia has many people concerned. The stability and Peace associated with the Post-Cold War “old normal” is fading quickly. The “new normal” appears unsettling. Over the coming years, our Faith in ourselves and God’s Providence and Hope for the future will be tested. Catholics and other people of Faith have experienced the temptation of going back to the “old normal.” Familiar ways of thinking about how God acts in the world or Spiritual Practices bring comfort and security. Yet, God constantly pushes them into situations where the old ways don’t work. It takes a while to come up with new understandings of where God is leading them and additional time to become comfortable with the “new normal”. When single people get married or a couple has their first child, the “old normal” is not coming back. But as he was beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus comes to reveal to them the “new normal” is where they belong because God wants them there. It is a test of Faith but they can pass it.

            As a person who likes routine, it is hard for me to get used to any “new normal” whether it is something different for breakfast or the International Order. As someone who lived through the Cold War, I have experienced the tensions we are likely to encounter in the coming years. I am more comfortable with the “old normal” of the past thirty years than what likely lies ahead. Yet, turbulent times have often caused me to grow in ways I did not think was possible. During those periods, I became more aware of God’s presence and my need for him. Both individually and collectively, the “new normal” will take some time to understand and accept. As I struggle with the challenge, I know I am not alone. Somehow, that make it seem less overwhelming.

May 1, 2022