Recognizing the Risen Lord: A Journey of Faith and Conversion

05-04-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Albert

Today's Gospel shows Peter returning to his old way of life, trying, perhaps, to forget the disastrous events of the crucifixion of his Master. six other Apostles join him. Thomas the former doubter, the two hotheaded sons of zebedee, the faithful and loyal Nathaniel and two others who are not named. Although John mentions that ''it was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

This post-Resurrection appearance of Jesus reminds us of an earlier incident in his ministry, namely the call of Peter and the other disciples after their night of fishing in the sea of Galilee. in both instances, Jesus asks the disciples to cast their nets into the sea a second time. In both cases they catch a large number of fish and in both incidents Jesus invites Peter to follow him.

The return of the apostles to their old occupation sets up the next stage of their conversion. Eventually, they come to understand that the stranger on the shore directing them to a tremendous catch of fish actually is '' The Lord''. they recognize him while they are doing what they have always done. Immediately afterwards, the disciples eat a meal with Jesus. Though later followers of Jesus narrowed the Eucharist into a formal ritual in which everyone shares a small piece of consecrated Bread a sip of consecrated Wine, his first disciples celebrated his resurrected presence with a complete meal. Jesus authenticated their work by adding to the meal some of the fish they had caught. It was at this point that they realized that their ''Lord'' was among them.

We need to open our eyes, ears and hearts wide to see, hear and experience the Risen Lord coming to our life in various forms, circumstances and events. The Risen Lord gives us success and achievements. We often fail to acknowledge the presence of the Risen Lord. The Risen Lord is present in our pain and suffering. Let us compensate for our moments of weakness by genuine acts of love, compassion and service.

Peter was called upon to prove his love; '' if you love me, feed my sheep''. the same Risen Lord reminds us '' if you love me, you will keep my commandments''.