Friday in the Octave of Easter(Click here for readings)
By FR ALFONSE NAZZARO
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.
One hundred fifty-three large fish. I have heard a lot of interpretations regarding this large catch, and how "one hundred fifty-three large fish" - the ancient world's estimation of all sea creatures - has a hidden meaning; namely, the Lord wants His disciples to catch all sorts of people.
But I have a different understanding to this story. I believe the Apostles were so overwhelmed by their catch that one of them decided to actually count the number of fish caught in the net. Is this so bizarre? It wouldn't have taken long. And it wouldn't have been strange to do. I would have done it!
So what is the moral of today's Gospel story? All things are possible with the Lord.
I can move mountains, especially the toughest mountains, the ones made out of flesh.
I can change lives, especially the toughest lives, the lives full of sin and no remorse, for all things are possible to those who hope in the Lord.
I can make a difference in the world, a world that is in desperate need of faith, hope and love. The question is: Am I sharing the Good News with others?
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, "Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved" (Acts 4:10-12).
Babies and adults. There are a lot of differences between kids and adults. One of them is that kids could care less what other people think. Children have no problem going up to someone and saying,
You look weird!
Your breath stinks!
Your teeth look yellow!
That dress looks ugly.You look ugly!
You look stupid!
A normal adult would never say any of these things. Thank God! But their kids are quite different. They can be very direct...for good and for bad, and maybe there's a lot we can learn from them.
I know so many children who have told their parents that they should pray before meals, or that they should not talk badly about others, or that they should go to Confession three times a year and attend Mass every Sunday. Wow! What courageous little patriots! I know this because their parents have told me. And many parents have come back to the Church because of their children! God bless them!
It seems like in today's secular culture, everyone can share whatever they want with us, even the creepiest things, and put it on YouTube or Instagram. But not us! Christians must keep their faith to themselves. Well, it's time we become more child-like and share good things - like the Good News - with others.
Share the Good News and go fishing!
Great meditation Father. One of the hardest things is when we do want to share the good news and change hearts for the Lord and we don't seem to be making a difference. I have to keep reminding myself that we don't always see the fruits of our labors and that we have to stay the course and stay faithful.
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