Gone Fishing
John 21: 4 – 6
4 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.
6 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.
The Disciples are in lockdown after Easter, afraid of both the Roman and Jewish authorities. They are keeping safe, out of the way, but after just a couple of days Peter has had enough. Getting up, he declares he is going fishing. The others, also fed up, insist on coming with him. All night they repeatedly cast their nets from the boat to no avail. In the early dawn they decide to call it quits and set sail for home shores.
There, a man calls to them and suggests they cast their nets one last time, which they do, and make a wondrous catch; so large they could not deck the nets as they were so heavy the boat may well capsize.
The man on the shore they did not recognize was Jesus – why didn’t they recognise him? Quite possibly because they were so preoccupied with their own troubles. At this time of trouble in our World let us not lose sight of the fact that God is here with us, and let us have a care to listen to him.
Prayer
Lord God, our loving Father in Heaven, when we get so wrapped up in our own problems help us to hear your word for us. Keep our ears open to your word, and our eyes open to the opportunities you give us.
In your Mercy hear our prayer,
Amen