The Disciples in the Boat

They saw him on shore and knew who he was. They would whisper his name to one another, and Peter plunged ahead to be as soon with him as he could, but not even he would call him by name. We may find it strange and might wonder were they embarrassed by him. He was supposed to be dead, and we can sometimes be uncomfortable with those people, even though they be our friends, who do not follow the rules. Or maybe the rules had changed, or else they feared they had changed, and when uncertain which rules apply we can sometimes avoid the disappointment of choosing the wrong ones if we say nothing. Saying nothing, calling people and things by no name, hiding in silence lest speaking hurt: it is not as uncommon as it might seem.