GONE FISHING!

When it all seems too much, go fishing! That is what Peter did. It was all too much for him. He heard many stories of the Risen Lord — earthquakes and angels, and then reports of apparitions. Sometimes you just have to get away from it all. Fishing is fun. I remember many times going fishing. It was always a very relaxing, carefree and an energizing experience. I always felt sorry for the fish.

Peter resumes his familiar job. The familiar air, smell, the usual actions of boating and fishing. Moreover, it is while doing this activity that something unfamiliar happens. Poor Peter, it has been a hopeless night. Maybe he should go back to his day job, if he has one. You can imagine these men exhausted, tired, hungry and heavy  in heart. They spend the whole night with no luck — they caught nothing.

The next morning Jesus, unbeknown to them, has prepared a hearty breakfast for the boys. They tell me this is the first Christian men’s breakfast. No sooner had they been asked to cast their net by the stranger on the shore that a haul of fish is caught. Why was not Jesus there the night before? The disciple whom Jesus loves immediately recognizes. Impetuous Peter still finds it hard to come to grips with the stranger being the one and only Risen Lord.

Everything is different when Jesus is here. Fishing becomes easy. Jesus is always there, anticipating our every need. He prepares our hearts and minds with grace. He provides for all our needs. He knows the extent of our weakness. He is always calling us to put out our nets into the deep, place our trust in His goodness. Sometimes we go it alone and catch nothing. Jesus makes the difference. He speaks the Word, we listen and, out of obedience, we act and then we see the fruits. Notice it wasn’t until Jesus spoke the Word that the catch of fish became so many. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Do you listen to the voice of Jesus? Or do you go it alone?

 

Lord, You know all my ways. Help me be obedient to Your Word and I will do Your will. Amen.

 

St. Dichu, pray for us.