May 4: The Day of the Lord

Can we imagine ourselves among the 153 fish that St. Peter and his companions caught (John 21, 1-19)? Like those fish, we are immersed in a sea of troubles and distractions, moved by every ripple of excitement, shaken by the level of doubt and disbelief that marks our world today. We spend so much energy on what are ultimately “trivialities.” We hesitate when it comes to really fighting against temptation. We let ourselves get “hooked” by unhealthy lures, from gambling to drugs to “empty celebrity.” While we consider ourselves sophisticated and “modern,” it is little wonder that Christ chose simple fishermen when He chose His first followers.

The account in John 21, the third Resurrection appearance of Jesus, reflects the miracle of salvation as an “offer.” Through His Church, the Lord has thrown over us His net of salvation, a net of amazing and saving grace. He says: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind.” Though the net remains unseen beneath the surface, we are drawn into it, if we allow ourselves to be drawn into it.

Can we make this prayer our own today? “May we be humble and obedient enough to be caught in God’s net, to be drawn into His own Heart, and to give Him glory and honor always and everywhere. Amen.”

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Congratulations to our young people who are receiving their First Holy Communion this weekend and next! “God of life, in your risen Son you reveal your abiding presence among us and summon those reborn in Baptism to lives of worship and service. Fill our young people with reverence as they come before you in prayer, ready to receive the Eucharist for the first time. Grant them courage and zeal in bearing witness before the world to your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.”