Third Sunday of Easter
Intention: That we may be a people of life, speaking for the dignity and needs of all people, especially the poor, the oppressed, the exploited, the misunderstood, and the forgotten.
Today’s Gospel | John 21:1-14
At that time, Jesus revealed himself 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.
From the Meditation for the Third Sunday After Easter | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Because the joy of the just is caused by God’s love deep in their hearts and because this love is directed to a good that is unalterable, immutable, and eternal, it follows that the just cannot be disturbed in the possession of that delightful satisfaction as long as charity unites their souls to God.
Does your joy come from within? Or are you not sometimes self-absorbed by vain and entirely exterior joys?
Prayer
Eternal Father, you sent your Son to be our light in the midst of darkness and our sustenance in the midst of our want. Open our eyes to your saving presence, especially in times of frustration and confusion. May we grow in faith, always ready to trust in your presence and follow your call to build your Kingdom. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.