First Reading (Acts 4:1-12)
Reading of the Acts of the Apostles.
In those days, after the paralytic had been healed, Peter and John were still speaking to the people, when the priests, the head of the Temple guard and the Sadducees arrived. They were angry because the apostles taught the people and announced the resurrection of the dead in the person of Jesus.
They arrested Peter and John and put them in prison until the next day, because it was already getting dark. However, many of those who had heard the preaching believed. And the number of men reached about five thousand.
The next day, the leaders, elders and teachers of the Law gathered in Jerusalem. The high priest Annas was present, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who belonged to the families of the high priests. They made Peter and John appear before them and asked them: “By what power or in whose name did you do this?”
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “O leaders of the people and elders, today we are being questioned because we did good to a sick person and because of the way in which he was healed. Know therefore, all of you and all the people of Israel: it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead, that this man is healed before you. Jesus is the stone, which you, the builders, despised, and who has become the cornerstone.
Is there salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved.”
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (John 21:1-14)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. The appearance was like this: Simon Peter, Thomas, called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and other disciples of Jesus were together.
Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going to fish.” They said, “We are also going with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but they didn’t catch anything that night. It was already dawn, and Jesus was standing on the bank. But the disciples didn’t know it was Jesus. Then Jesus said, “Young men, do you have anything to eat?” They replied: “No”.
Jesus said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find it.” So they cast the net and were unable to pull it out because of the number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Simon Peter, hearing that he was the Lord, put on clothes, because he was naked, and threw himself into the sea.
The other disciples came with the boat, dragging the net with the fish. In fact, they were not far from the land, but only about a hundred meters away. As soon as they stepped on the ground, they saw burning coals, with fish on top, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you caught.”
Then Simon Peter got into the boat and dragged the net to land. It was full of one hundred and fifty-three large fish; and despite so many fish, the net did not break. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared to ask who he was, because they knew he was the Lord.
Jesus approached, took the bread and distributed it to them. And he did the same thing with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus, resurrected from the dead, appeared to the disciples.
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I would like to begin our reflection with a story that many of us can identify with. Imagine yourself on a peaceful morning, with the sun shining and the aroma of fresh coffee filling the air. You’re sitting at the table, leafing through the newspaper, when suddenly you come across news that changes everything. News that shakes your heart and challenges your convictions. It is news that demands a response, an action.
This story is similar to the experience of the disciples in the Gospel we hear today. After witnessing Jesus’ resurrection, they return to fishing, seeking a sense of normalcy in their lives. But during a whole night of hard work, they catch nothing. And then, at dawn, Jesus appears on the shore and tells them to let down their nets again. They obey, and the fishing is plentiful.
This story teaches us about the importance of listening and responding to Jesus’ call. The disciples could have been trapped in their own frustration and despair, but they chose to trust Jesus’ words and act on them. And the result was a miraculous catch that changed their lives forever.
My brothers and sisters, like the disciples, we are also called to hear and respond to Jesus’ call on our lives. He calls us to a life of love, service and transformation. He calls us to cast the nets of faith, hope, and love into deeper waters, trusting that He is with us every step of the way.
But we can often find ourselves stuck in the shallows of our own complacency and comfort. We can be satisfied with our current state, with our daily routines, without realizing that Jesus is calling us to a fuller and more meaningful life. He invites us to step out of our comfort zone and cast our nets in new directions.
However, miracle fishing is not just about material abundance or external success. It involves a deep and lasting inner transformation. It’s about allowing Jesus to come into our lives and change our hearts, our attitudes and our actions. It’s about making room for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us so that we can be instruments of His grace and love in the world.
But how can we do this? How can we respond to Jesus’ call and experience the miraculous catch of a lifetime?
First, we must be willing to leave behind our old ways of thinking and acting. Just as the disciples cast their empty nets again, we need to leave behind our doubts, fears, and limitations. We need to trust that Jesus is with us, even when the waters seem uncertain and unknown. He calls us to trust in His power and His providence.
Furthermore, we must also be willing to step out of our comfort zone and explore new possibilities. Jesus does not call us to a monotonous and static life, but to a life of adventure and discovery. He invites us to be courageous, to take risks and not be afraid of failing. He reminds us that when we trust Him, He empowers us to do things we never thought possible.
It’s also important to remember that miracle fishing is not a solitary endeavor. Just as the disciples worked together fishing, we are also called to live in community and support each other on our journey of faith. We are called to share our experiences, our struggles and our joys. Christian community is a place where we find encouragement, challenge, and mutual support.
My brothers and sisters, today Jesus calls us to let down the nets again. He calls us to step out of complacency and embrace a deeper life of faith. He calls us to trust Him, to take risks, and to move toward the deeper waters where we will find a full and abundant life.
Sometimes it can be scary to cast the net again. We may feel inadequate, without resources, or simply afraid of the unknown. But remember that Jesus is always with us. He is our guide, our journey companion, and our provider. When we follow Him with an open heart, He surprises us with His grace and unconditional love.
When we cast the nets again, we also open ourselves to the transforming action of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us, strengthens us and gives us the gifts we need to fulfill the mission that God entrusts to us. He empowers us to be courageous witnesses of the Gospel in a world that is often thirsty for hope and meaning.
And so, my brothers and sisters, I invite each of you to reflect on what Jesus is calling you to do today. How can you cast the nets again in your life? Maybe it’s a call to forgive someone who has hurt you, a call to serve those in need in your community, or a call to pursue a deeper prayer life. Whatever calling you are feeling in your heart, know that Jesus is at your side, ready to help you on your journey.
Also remember that miracle fishing is not only for your own benefit, but also for the good of others. When we respond to Jesus’ call and allow Him to work in our lives, we become channels of His grace and love to the world. We can be instruments of healing, reconciliation and hope for those around us.
So don’t be afraid to cast the net again. Trust Jesus, trust His love and His transforming power. He is present in every aspect of your life, guiding you and enabling you to live according to His will. And remember that you are not alone on this journey. You have the Christian community on your side, a spiritual family that is ready to support and encourage you.
As we close our reflection, I would like to invite you to close your eyes for a moment of silence. Allow yourselves to reflect on the call of Jesus on your lives. What is He asking you to do? How can you cast your nets down again and embrace a deeper life of faith?
And now, open your eyes and look around you. See the faces of your brothers and sisters in faith. They are also listening to Jesus’ call. And together, as a community of disciples, we can support each other and respond to Jesus’ call with courage, love, and hope.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you on your journey of faith. And may the love of your heavenly Father fill you with joy and peace.
Amen.
