Friday in the Octave of Easter

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.

When the disciples arrive on shore with their fish, they find Jesus with fish and bread already cooking on a charcoal fire. Jesus has prepared them a meal for his disciples after their long night of catching nothing. And so he has not only helped them catch their haul of fish, but also prepared a meal for them as well. What is even more interesting is that Jesus then has his disciples bring some of their own fish and add it to the fire, and then when all is prepared he shares the bread and fish with everyone. These symbolic acts help us to understand what it means to be Disciples of Christ. First, although we might feel abandoned and powerless, Jesus is always near and ready to help us. He will send us inspirations through the Holy Spirit that will help us to know where to cast the nets of our lives. He will give us all the graces we need to reap the rewards he has prepared for us. He will give us nourishment through his sacraments, especially through the Eucharist feast. He will share himself with us so we can share our faith with others and become fishers of men. With the help of these graces, we shall be able to add to the heavenly banquet through our thoughts, words, and works and partake in its bounty.

What graces has Jesus prepared for us as his disciples? In what ways do our lives fulfill our calling to be fishers of men? What are our contributions to the heavenly banquet?

O Lord, give us the guidance we need to be able to bring you the hearts and minds of others by weaving our lives into a net of faith, hope, and love.

Amen.