RESURRECTION : A NEW CALLING ~ CookingFood.Org

“RISEN WITH CHRIST”

Easter Reflections

Friday, 21^stApril 2017,

Easter Octave

Acts 4:1-12

Ps 118:1-2,4,22-27

Jn 21:1-14

RESURRECTION : A NEW CALLING

Today, we listen to another story of the Resurrection appearance of the Lord to his followers. Having found no other option than going back to their world of fishing, discouraged and tired, they returned to the shore with their empty nets. They suddenly hear Jesus (they did not recognize Him) call out to them to make another attempt in a new and right direction. They just obeyed him and the empty net was full of fish. This miracle was enough for John to identify his master, “It is the Lord”.

This catch of fish was much more than just a favor from Jesus to help them with their work. It was highly symbolic. The central symbolism is that Jesus was giving the Apostles a new calling. They would no longer be fishing just for fish, rather, they were now to fish for souls. And the important part is that if they attempted to do this by their own efforts, they would come up empty handed. If, however, they did it at the Lord’s command, in His way, within His timing, then their efforts would provide an abundance of good fruit. More than they could ever imagine!

This miracle of Jesus begins to reveal to the Apostles (and to us) the command that comes to evangelize the world. This revelation comes after His Resurrection as Jesus gives His final instructions to the Apostles to carry out His mission of salvation. We should see in this miracle our own call to spread the Good News. And we must see in this miracle the command to spread the Good News only at the command of Jesus, in His way and within His timing.

Sometimes Christians tend to come up with many “good” ideas to spread the Gospel. But the key is to humble ourselves before God and realize that we are incapable of spreading the Good News of the Gospel unless the Lord is leading the way and giving the direction. We must listen to His voice and respond only when He leads. Evangelization is a response to Jesus rather than something we do by our own effort. As we continue our Easter Day celebration it is a good time for each of us to reflect upon our own responsibility to evangelize. Let the Lord speak to us and let ourselves be open to His direction. God wants to use us, so make sure we let Him!

Prayer: Lord, I do want to be used by You. I do want to evangelize in accord with Your will. Help me to confidently answer the call, and help me to sincerely listen to the direction You give. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.