The Gospel according to John (John21:1-14)
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, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.
Opening Prayer: Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to your disciples so that they could reveal you and your love to the world. Thank you for calling me to be your disciple. Please teach me what you want me to learn in this Gospel passage, and help me to live it out in my life.
Encountering Christ: How do you see Christ revealed in your life? Do you look for the obvious OR do you really look for the moments where Jesus comes to you? How do you respond when you see, hear or experience Jesus calling?
There is a lot going on in this gospel for sure! As I often write about – it is the relationship aspect of our lives that is so important. It is the basis of what we do every day in serving the Lord. Peter and the disciples recognized Jesus not because of his looks, but for his invitation to join in the basic relationship aspect of catching the fish AND them preparing the meal on the shore.
Jesus was inviting the disciples into the “Inner Circle” of the meal setting. Jesus was gathering the disciples to celebrate friendship AND relationship. Do we find ourselves experiencing Jesus and the Father as our friends or do we see them as separate from us? At a distance?
When we receive Eucharist – we take in Jesus literally. Our faith not only tells us, but our own intimate reception of the host stirs something within that is different or special. For those brief moments after reception of communion we experience Jesus in a most intimate and perfect way. If we don’t, then we need to take a look inside ourselves and discover the reason or reasons that we don’t feel that intimate relationship.
This gospel challenges us to leave our personal comfort zone and wade into the unknown sea of our friends, coworkers and communities. We, like Peter, need to provide bold action when we recognize the Lord is calling. The talents we have been entrusted with are to be shared with those God puts in our daily paths.
Think about when was the last time you really took the time OR even felt the true presence of Jesus in someone else or some contact you had. Go back to that event and see how Jesus inviting you into that moment AND what was the need or action Jesus was calling you to. I’m willing to bet it was to bring a moment of peace, joy, comfort or encouragement to someone put in your path.
Closing Prayer: Jesus, help me remain near you. Help me notice when you are working in my life. Show me the power and love that you have given me to share with the world. Help me offer all that I do to you so that I may bear fruit, fruit that will last. Give me the courage to be your fisher of men, casting my net into the deep in order to share your love and life with all people.
Action for the Day: Spend 5 minutes in prayer today asking for enlightenment – enlightenment, to be able to recognize when Jesus is placing a project in front of you. Be willing to be like Peter and jump out of the comfort of your personal boat and into the sea of the world – that has been set before you by Jesus himself.
