Easter Friday

JN 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord."

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish.

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. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

Reflection

I can really relate to the disciples in this passage. It was a very disorienting time for them. Their leader and friend had been crucified, and then he rose from the dead and began to appear to them. Their own lives were also at risk for being followers of Jesus. What an intense time! So, what do they do? They retreat to what is familiar. Many of them, fishermen by trade, go back to the sea, a comforting, familiar, predictable environment. I do this too when things in my life are crazy or just hard to process: I go back to things that are familiar or grounding. I go for a run, I bake, or in really intense times I retreat to my parents’ house. 

A few years ago, I had an encounter with someone who was going through some very intense personal issues, I did my best to support her at that moment and tried to get her the help that she needed. It was a very emotionally exhausting time. What I didn’t realize until later was how much it really affected me personally. It was actually quite traumatic. I had a really hard time processing it all. I was a mess. I couldn’t stop crying, I couldn’t sleep, and I wouldn’t talk to anyone about it because I just didn’t feel like they could understand. I retreated to my parents’ house. There, I indulged in my mom’s homemade food, I napped on their cozy couch and spent time with my family. 

One morning my dad took all of us out for a sunrise sail. I remember feeling so drained and unsure if all this effort so early in the morning was really worth it,  We packed up coffee in thermoses in the dark of the early morning and set out to the sailing club. We made it out to the lake before the sun made its appearance. The cold air cutting through my light jacket as the boat sliced through the water further and further from land.  I moved to the side of the boat my feet dangling off the edge, my body slowly relaxing with the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the boat. As we sat there in my parents’ sailboat, in the middle of the lake, the sun peeked through the horizon. With brilliant shades of red and orange, the light touched everything around me. I was struck by the intense beauty of it all, the sun’s rays warming the crisp air. I sat there in awe. In awe of creation and of the Lord’s abundant love. It felt like the sun rose just for me that morning. I felt the Lord just delighting in me. It reminded that this happens every morning. The darkness is always temporary—the sun always rises. The darkness I was experiencing was only temporary too. 

In today’s story, Jesus meets the disciples in their place of retreat. He meets them there and offers them hope as well. He gives them an abundance of fish, a warm meal, and the gift of his presence. He offers this to us too. In whatever you are living today, take a moment of refuge. Pause. Slow down. Allow the Lord to meet you there. Keep your eyes open to how the Lord wants to delight in you and shine His light in your darkness. 

Allow me to see how you are delighting me today, Lord. Let me see and accept your love. Amen.