Today is an absolutely beautiful day in Hazelwood. I pray all are well, and have a great day. Two phrases come to mind on this beautiful morning: Carpe diem (seize the day), and Pax et Bonum (Peace and all good).
Today’s reflection is about Jesus showing up at a fishing trip.
Quote or Joke of the Day:
Be fishers of men. You catch them. Jesus will clean them.
Today’s Meditation:
Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. 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. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. (NAB Jn 21:2-11)
Most scholars believe the “two others” were James and John. Perhaps the phrase was originally a way at “hinting” at the identify of two other disciples, among the five present. The total of seven may suggest the community of the disciples in its fullness.
It was not uncommon to fish at night as it was easier to get fish to the surface, and caught in nets, using lights on the boat. This night the catch was nil. In the darkness, nothing could be found and caught. This may also indicate that during our periods of darkness, away from the warming rays of Jesus’ mercy and salvation, leaves us unable to be caught.
At dawn, Jesus is standing on the beach calling out to His “children” instructions on how to catch as many as possible. With faith they do as told and score a bounty. The exact number of fish, “153,” is meant to have a symbolic meaning in relation to the apostles’ universal mission. St. Jerome claims that Greek zoologists catalogued 153 species of fish in the Sea of Tiberius. And “153” is the sum of the numbers from 1 to 17. The number “153” symbolizes the totality of the “redeemed” mankind, by symbolizing the totality of the chosen people; those redeemed by Jesus.
What does all these conceptually scientific statements mean to us? What is the writer trying to relay to us? I believe it means that through Jesus, all souls are welcomed to Him; and that no “fish” (soul) is unable to be caught with the love and grace of God.
When John recognized Jesus, Peter grabs His clothes (he is wearing very little while he was working that night) and jumps into the sea, in a hurry to get to Jesus. This is the second time that Peter has jumped out of the boat to run to Jesus. The first time he nearly drowns, but this time he makes it due to being so close to shore. Peter should know better than get into any water. After all, he cannot swim, and will definitely sink in any water. Why? Because Jesus made him the “Rock” of the Church! (he, he)
Isn’t it strange that Jesus already has a fish with Him, since none have yet been brought ashore yet? This meal may have had a Eucharistic significance for early Christians. The symbol for Jesus is the fish, called an “Ictus;” and Jesus is also known as the bread of life. Both symbols are present at the meal Jesus had prepared for His disciples.
“Jesus, I love the meal you have prepared for us, through your sacrifice, which we celebrate at each mass. Your body and blood is all I need to live in your presence. Amen”
Pax et Bonum
Dan Halley, SFO
*****
Catholic Saint of the Day: St. Waldetrudis
Also known as Waltrude or Waudru, she was the daughter of Saints Walbert and Bertilia and sister of St. Aldegunus of Maubeuge. Marrying St. Vincent Madelgarius, she became the mother of saints Landericus, Madalberta, Adeltrudis, and Dentelin. When her husband chose to become a monk about 643 in the monastery of Hautrnont, France, he had founded, she established a convent at Chateaulieu, around which grew up the town of Mons, Belgium. Her feast day is April 9th.
(From http://www.catholic.org/saints/ website)
Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) Rule #9:
The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to His every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.
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