Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 5, 2024

Date:  Friday in the Octave of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 21:1-14

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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading from John recounts one of Jesus’ encounters with His disciples post resurrection. This one occurred at the Sea of Tiberias where several of the disciples, led by Peter, had gone to fish. They had fished all night without catching anything. Then they are encouraged by someone they did not recognize to try a different approach – casting their nets to a different place. They caught 153 large fish.

John recognizes suddenly that it is Jesus who is on shore and had told them where to cast. He tells Peter who in his excitement jumps out of the boat and made his way to Jesus. Then Jesus, who had fish and bread already there commanded the disciples “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Jesus’ message to the disciples is clear. These disciples who earlier had told Jesus to send the people away hungry because they themselves had not enough to feed them now have an abundance, the fruit of doing what Jesus commanded.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I recognize Jesus in my life? Do I see and hear Him in my encounters during my day? Do I seek to do as He has commanded me – to love the LORD with all my being, to love others as myself, to share with others the Good News of His death and resurrection so that we might have life?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved and only-begotten Son to take on our human nature and from among us to reveal your great love for us and your desire for our salvation and life in abundance. Through His selfless sacrifice upon that cross on Calvary, he died for our sins though He himself is sinless. And on Easter morning, He rose. Dying He destroyed our death; rising He restored our life. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds and hearts to this essential and wonderful truth and stir up within us not only the desire to embrace it with all our being but to proclaim it to others so they, too, may come to know You, to love You, and to serve You. We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.