Faith Daily | 9 April 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - EASTER

Almighty God,

you have conquered death

through your dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ

and opened to us the gate of everlasting life:

grant us by your grace to set our mind on things above,

so that by your continual help

our whole life may be transformed;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

in everlasting glory.

Amen

GOSPEL for the Day: John 21: 1-14

3After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by Mary Rose

This passage is part of the list of appearances which Jesus made after his resurrection but it only appears in John’s gospel. John describes how Mary Magdalene found the empty tomb and told Simon Peter and John who rush to see for themselves. Jesus then appeared to Mary confirming he had risen from the dead and she then had tangible evidence that Jesus was indeed alive! Jesus appears to the disciples but Thomas wasn’t there and he later receives the tangible evidence he demanded!

What is going on here? Why are these seven disciples back in Galilee and why are they back fishing? We remember then that they were told to go to Galilee and wait. Perhaps the ever-impatient Peter wanted something to do or perhaps he was just hungry or wants to keep his hand in. Anyhow they all go with him and after a night fishing they have caught nothing.

At dawn Jesus is standing on the beach but the disciples don’t know it is Jesus. He says to them “You don’t have any fish, do you?” They confirm they do not. Jesus then gives them specific instructions about casting their net and trying again and then they catch a great number of fish – 153. So many perhaps they counted them!

It is John who first recognises that only Jesus could be responsible for such a miracle. “It is the Lord!” The ever-impetuous Peter put on some clothes and jumped into the sea and swam to meet Jesus. They are close enough to the shore for him to swim ashore and for the six to drag the catch to the beach. The Lord has provided an abundant catch but it is within their capacity to receive it. After failure on our own we need to heed the Lord’s guidance and try again! Jesus who has given them the catch is the same one who fed the hungry crowd with a few small loaves and a couple of fish. He needs some fish from the catch.

Jesus has called his disciples to be “fishers of men”. He says that as The Father sent him he now sends them. But we have to wonder how these men, often with weak faith and already showing failure, are going to be up to the task! This very miracle points to the answer. By themselves they may be inadequate but with Christ they will do wonderful things.

Jesus is the host and provides the meal with plenty for all. They have before them the risen Lord who is in command. He was dead but is now gloriously alive and their testimony will not only inspire the multitudes but generations after them who have not seen to believe what they had seen. The resurrection of Jesus altered history as it fulfilled the most important promises of God. Christ’s presence with and provision for Christians are ever constant.

FINAL PRAYER:

Loving Father,

we acknowledge that you are always with us,

providing our every need and giving us the strength

to fulfil the tasks you set before us.

May we like the first disciples be emboldened

to proclaim the good news to all we encounter.

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen