JOHN 21:1-3a

After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat.

Gospelthink: After my Resurrection, I visited the Apostles to give them hope. Am I as hopeful as I should be?

"Oh don't you dare look back, just keep your eyes on me. I said, ‘You're holding back.’ She said, ‘Shut up and dance with me!’ This woman is my destiny. She said, ‘Shut up and dance with me.’ We were victims of the night: the chemical, physical, kryptonite, helpless to the bass and the fading light. Oh, we were bound to get together. She took my arm, I don't know how it happened. We took the floor and she said, ‘Shut up and dance with me!’"  

We can view the song "Shut Up and Dance" by the group Walk the Moon to be another dance song, but as we study the words, the song lends itself to deeper thought. In the song, dancing seems like a chance for a healing of sorts--they spoke of themselves as "victims." Perhaps dancing can be looked at as sort of a time of relaxation or temporary pause before a major decision is made.

In that light, we can look at the possible remedies to difficult situations in our lives, realizing that we must face them, but that we might need some preparation time to make the decision a little easier. Dancing can serve such a purpose to be sure, which is exactly the case of the song. But there are other ways of such preparation as well.

In the Gospels we saw one such incident with Peter the Apostle after Jesus had been raised from the dead. Peter was no doubt confused about what his future would be like. It was not only the question of what should he do personally, but if he was indeed the leader of the Apostles, what was he as leader supposed to do now? He knew what Jesus had said during his lifetime, and so he had some type of decision to make. And what did he do before all of that future discernment? He did what he knew something about--he went fishing, something to distract him from the problem at hand perhaps. It was not unlike the dancing that the lady in the song strongly suggested.

Whether or not, the application is apropos, it is a very good thought. When we are about to do something that is difficult, often it is good to do something entirely different to "prepare" to face the difficulty. We may want to relax a little or meet with friends or the like. The Christian will naturally think of some time in prayer, but there are other things that could "help" us in some way, even dancing...or fishing.  

PRAYER 

Good and gracious God, in my life, there are many times that I must make a decision that is somewhat significant. As I prepare for such a time, give me the grace to discern how to help myself even by relaxation. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Sometimes we must do something entirely different before we face the difficult situations of the world.

THE GOSPEL
1. In general, what do you think Jesus wanted to accomplish by his appearances after his Resurrection?
2. Peter and most of the other Apostles were fishermen. Why do you think Jesus chose simple fishermen to be his primary helpers?
3. The complete story of the Gospel is a revelation story in which Peter finally proclaims that he is a sinner and truly loves Jesus. What primary lesson does Peter the Apostle teach us?     

THE SONG  
1. It would seem that there are some problems with the relationship in the song. Would it be better to "take care" of those problems before the dancing? Yes or no and why?
2. Text analysis: "We were victims of the night." What is the meaning of the sentence?
3. Text analysis: What is the significance of the list in the song: "the chemical, physical, kryptonite, helpless to the bass and the fading light."
4. Text analysis: Why were they "bound to get together? 

THE MEDITATION
1. Do you agree with the meditation that there is deeper meaning in the song? Yes or no and why?
2. In general, why is it a good thing to have some sort of a "pause" before a major decision must be made?
3. Describe the character of Peter the Apostle as you understand him from the Gospels.
4. The meditation gives some ideas of providing some type of "pause" before making the final decision. What are some other ways to "relax" before making a decision?
5. In general, do you think that Christians spend enough time in prayer before making major decisions?
6. What does the song "Shut Up and Dance" teach young people?    

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America

Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America