Why
didn't the apostles immediately recognize the Risen Lord Jesus when he greeted
them at the Sea of Tiberias ? John gives us a clue. He states that Peter had
decided to return to his home district of Galilee, very likely so he could
resume his fishing career. Peter was discouraged and didn't know what to do
after the tragedy of Jesus' death! He went back to his previous job as a
fisherman out of uncertainty for his future. Six of the other apostles followed
him back to Galilee.
The
Risen Lord was waiting on the shore for Peter and the other apostles. When
their boat drew near the shore, Jesus questioned them and then gave a command
to lower their nets into the sea. When their nets began to burst at the great
haul of fish, John, the beloved disciple, recognized that it was the Lord who
was speaking to them. Peter then immediately leaped from the boat and ran to
the Lord.
Why
did Jesus perform this miraculous catch of fish after his third resurrection
appearance to the apostles? By looking back to the first miracle of the great
catch of fish, we can recognize the significance of Jesus repeating this
miracle again for his apostles. The first miracle took place at the beginning
of Jesus' ministry in Galilee when the Lord called Peter to leave all and follow
him. After Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, Jesus commanded him
to lower his nets. When his nets began to break under the weight of the great
haul, Jesus then spoke to Peter and gave him a new calling and mission - from
now on he would be "catching people" for the kingdom of God (Luke
5:10). Jesus repeats this miracle for Peter to remind him that he must continue
his mission of "catching people" and "making disciples" for
the kingdom of Christ. Skeptics who disbelieve the resurrection accounts say
the disciples only saw a vision of Jesus. The Gospels, however, give us a vivid
picture of the reality of the resurrected and glorified body of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus went out of his way to offer his disciples various proofs of his physical
resurrection - that he is real and true flesh, not just a spirit or imaginary
ghost.
Jesus
prepared a breakfast for them and ate with them. Peter's prompt response to
draw near to the Lord and eat breakfast with him stands in sharp contrast to
his previous denial and distancing himself from his Master during the night of
Jesus' arrest and trial. Why did Jesus question Peter's love and loyalty three
times in front of the other disciples? It must have caused Peter pain and
sorrow since he had publicly denied Jesus three times previously. Now Peter,
full of remorse and humility, unequivocally stated that he loved his Lord and
Master and was willing to serve him whatever it might cost.
The
Lord Jesus calls each one of us, even in our personal struggles, weakness, and
sin, to draw near to him as our merciful Healer and Savior. He invites us to
choose him as our Lord and to love him above all else. What can hold us back
from giving him our undivided love and unqualified loyalty (Romans 8:38-39)?
Nothing but our own sinful pride and stubborn will, and blind fear can hold us
back from receiving his gracious forgiveness, loving-kindness, and faithful
love. God's abundant grace (favor and blessing) is a free and unmerited gift,
far beyond what we deserve or could possibly hope to obtain through our own
means. We can never outmatch God in generosity and goodness. He loved us first
and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and mercy.
The
Lord Jesus wants to personally draw near to each one of us and he knocks every
day on the door of our hearts and he waits for our response. Ask the Lord Jesus
to rekindle your love for him and to transform your life through the power and
action of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you.
Confirmation
– If our students did not present their letter of intent this weekend, next
weekend is your final weekend for presentation. You may present at any Mass
during the weekend.
Class
#2 – Monday April 11th at 7pm. Please arrive by 6:50 and go directly to your
classroom
Fr. Phil
