Scripture: After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and revealed himself in this way:
Simon Peter, Thomas (the Twin, the doubter), Nathaniel…, the sons of Zebedee and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said, “I am going fishing.” They said, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on 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 of the quantity of fish.
That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he…threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish…John 21:1-8
Observation: In the annuls of the Church, has there been any more impressive fishing story?
Analysis: I really like expounding on these stories. My imagination goes wild.
Well, not really wild, but I imagine a lot.
How many days has it been since the guys last saw Jesus? Must have been more than a few. Here are the guys, sitting around. Getting dark outside. Bored to tears. Peter rises, “I don’t know about you guys, but I am going fishing.” “Good idea let’s all go. Nothing to do around here anyway, it is all reruns on the telly.”
Out for a 3-hour cruise. No Gilligan’s Island here.
Morning comes, no fish. Stranger on the shore, “Hey boys, how’s fishing?” “Stinks.” “Tell you what, throw the net on the right side of the boat, you will get plenty.”
Net’s tossed. Umph, must have caught on a wreck or something. Everyone is tugging hard and the first flopping, thrashing bunch of fish is seen. Excitement starts to build, then griping and complaining about the heavy load.
“That’s Jesus!!” says John. Peter whips his head around and goes, “What?” And in his excitement (doesn’t forget his land clothes), jumps and swims all the way to shore—leaving the other guys to do the work, by the way.
Am I that excited to see Jesus? I would hope that when the time comes, I would react just like Peter.
Hammer point: There are fish stories that are all about living the Gospel. I would do well to remember some of my own.
Prayer: Lord, this posting today shows me how much I segregate you from my life. When I am doing chores, hobbies, reading, working, etc. I am generally not primed to see You or to hear from You. I want that to change in me. I don’t want to wallow in boredom but jump up excited to see You. AMEN.