Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

"It is the Lord."

 

Gospel Reading: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberius. 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.

 

It has now been almost a week since the resurrection of Christ. Has the reality of this event started to wear off. Hopefully, we are not starting to fall back to our old ways and are still living our Lenten promises. In today’s Gospel, we hear that Peter has returned to Galilee, discouraged and probably feeling a little lost and abandoned. So what does he do?  He goes back to his old career as a fisherman, something that makes him feel comfortable, and something that he knows. He returns to his old ways. Even though Christ has already appeared to them, it sounds like they do not understand or possibly do not realize the significance of the resurrection yet. Peter and John, along with several other disciples have gone fishing. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, Jesus appeared to them on the bank. Jesus calls out to them, Children, have you caught anything to eat?” But they do not immediately recognize him. It is interesting that Christ addresses them as Children.  When we think of children, we think of people that are still learning, people who have not yet fully matured.  It is obvious that his Apostles still have some growing. Jesus educates them and tells them where to fish.  Following his instruction, the nets become over flowing. Peter now realizes that it is Jesus.  He is so overwhelmed with the reality of his revelation that he jumps into the water and rushes over to see him.  He cannot even wait for the boat to get to shore.  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.  It takes three revelations to offset the three denials before Peter becomes fully aware of the Risen Christ.  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? How many times has Christ called out to us, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?"  and we have not listened.  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.  Seek the Eucharist as it is the true source of nourishment for everlasting life.

 

A Simple Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus, you are the true Resurrection and the source of eternal life.

Increase my faith in the power of your resurrection that I may never doubt your words

Teach me and feed me so I never stray from your presence.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon