“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee It happened this way:2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.  “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.   Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.

 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.   Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.  The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.  When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.   Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

After the resurrection, some of the disciples returned to their old way of life.  They had been through so much, and perhaps they were unsure of how to move forward. All night, they caught nothing, yet when responding to Jesus’ instruction, their nets were filled to bursting.  Jesus was waiting for them, as he waits for us.  We may not even realize all the times we try to “go it alone,” and as a result wander off the path the Lord intends for us.  If we can recognize the Lords intentions for us and follow where He leads, we will be on the right path.  This is not easy, and, at least for me, is always a work in progress. 

Reflection:

Sometimes, we may feel like we’re just going through the motions of life, unsure of our purpose or disconnected from what we once felt passionate about. But Jesus meets us right where we are—even in the most mundane or ordinary moments (working, having a meal) and reminds us that our lives matter and that we have purpose.

Reflection Question:

Do you find yourself going through the motions in any area of your life? How might Jesus be inviting you to see your ordinary moments with new eyes?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to recognize Your presence in my everyday life. Even in the routine, remind me that You are calling me to something more. Open my heart to hear Your invitation. Amen

Cecilia Carroll