Jesus Revealed

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

It has now been almost a week since the resurrection of Christ. Has the reality of this event started to ware off. Hopefully, we are not starting to fall back to our old ways. In today’s Gospel (John 21:1-14), we hear that Peter has returned to Galilee, discouraged and probably feeling a little lost and abandoned. He goes back to his fishing career, something that makes him feel comfortable, and something that he knows. He returns to his old ways. It sounds like they do not understand or possibly do not realize the significance of the resurrection. Peter and John, along with several other disciples had gone fishing. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus appeared to them on the bank. Jesus calls out to them but they do not immediately recognize him. Jesus tells them where to fish and the nets become over flowing. Peter now realizes that it is Jesus and rushes over to see him. This is the third time Jesus revealed himself to Peter. This is in contrast to the three denials of Peter the night before Jesus was crucified. Peter finally believes.

How many times has Jesus revealed himself to you and you did not realize who he was? When you are in turmoil, have setbacks or disappointments, do you run to Jesus? Jesus is calling us to have faith. When he calls out, we might not immediately recognize him, but we should learn to recognize his signs. Peter did not immediately recognize Jesus, but he recognized the sign. Jesus joined them on the shore and had cooked breakfast for them. He broke bread and fed them. He again, nourished his disciples. He gave them the strength to believe, to become true disciples. If you need to be nourished, reflect back on your Lenten commitment. Return to your Lenten journey. It will nourish the soul.

A Simple Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, you are the Resurrection and the Life. Increase my faith in the power of your resurrection that I may never doubt your word nor stray from your presence."

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon