John 21: 1-14
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Don’t Hesitate
Peter doesn't hesitate. The same impulsive behavior we learned about Peter during Christ's ministry is now formed and channeled into the impulsive love of Jesus and into service, complete with mouthing off to the temple authorities (in today’s first reading Acts 4:1-12)! Peter is not simply called, he is on mission. So too with us. As we finally found reprieve from our injuries from sin within the wounds of Christ, our joy needs to move us to respond. So, jump out of your boat! Find that crippled man (or woman) who needs your healing touch, your healing words. Encounter the judgement of those who think you're being insensitive, imprudent, and go and do good anyway.
Happy Easter!
—Kevin Karam, SJ, is currently a Jesuit regent working at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis.
Prayer
Lord, as we embrace the joy we feel in your Resurrection, help us to turn it into action. May we always have the courage to jump out of the boat and serve our brothers and sisters each day. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team
Pray with the Pope
The Holy Father’s Monthly Prayer Intentions Brought to you by Apostleship of Prayer the first Friday of each month.