THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, MAY 4, 2025

MASS READINGS

Gospel John 21:1-19

... 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...

REFLECTION

After the resurrection we see Jesus appearing to the disciples several times. In this passage we see Peter going back to fishing and not catching anything until Jesus tells him how to do it, and he obeys.

A similar account happened earlier when Peter just met Jesus in Luke's Gospel:

"After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing." (Lk 5:4-6)

It makes me think of all the times I try to "do something good", "to help others", and fail. What is my real motivation? Am I doing this because of love of God and others? Or for my own vainglory? Have I given up on God's plan after a few times I've stumbled?

I have also noticed on current society that more and more people, specially teens and young adults, fail to plan, or don't execute their plans for fear of failure. It is strange to me how they cannot overcome their fear of failing. Overthinking and perfectionism smother any action they could have taken. They ask for guidance and affirmation every step of the way, even for the most minute task. Fear of failure paralyzes them completely.

Peter and the disciples did not know what to do after the resurrection, (and before Pentecost), so they defaulted to what they knew: fishing. They didn't have a perfect plan, or any plans for this matter, but they did something. Jesus took their failing efforts and made a suggestion. By listening to God, their actions gave results.

We also might feel inadequate, yes, most likely we are, but He has chosen "inadequate" people throughout history: David, St. Bernadette Soubirous, St. Juan Diego, etc.

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit whenever God moves us to do something for Him. To guide us to do His will. Let us not be afraid to take that first step towards doing the good He wants us to do.

God bless y'all!