Date: April 17, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 4:1-12; Gospel JN 21:1-14 |

Series:

Let every hand that serves, serve the Lord!

Peter and some of the disciples were called by Jesus to a special mission to become fishers of men at the sea of Galilee. That was the time when Jesus’ messianic character was building up and gaining momentum. After His passions, death, and resurrection we wonder why Jesus instructed the women to tell the apostles that He will meet them in Galilee in the very same setting where Jesus first called them. They could have met somewhere.

I guess the meeting place was very important as it would serve as a reminder of their vocation. The Lord called them for the same purpose - they will be fishers of men. What happened in Jerusalem did not change the whole plan; it should instead strengthen their resolve to follow the Lord. It was rather a moment of renewal. After a traumatic and despairing test of their discipleship, they must believe again that “it is the Lord.” There is nothing to be afraid of. Jesus remains the Good and Wise Master as He was before. In a more vivid and convincing manner, He has shown to them that He indeed is the Messiah they had been longing for. He even surpassed their expectations. Jesus defeated the most dreaded of enemies, death. It was a powerful force that conquered many hearts. And it was the same powerful force that gathered the incredible courage of the disciples to witness the Gospel despite persecution and discouragement.

In the first reading, we are informed of the troubles Peter and John had when they encountered the elders, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, the scribes and the Sadducees. Thus, it says: “They laid hands on Peter and John and put them in custody until the next day…But many of those who heard the word came to believe and the number of men grew to about five thousand.”

Jesus is the true Master whose words are reliable and trustworthy. He knows where to cast the nets to get a good catch. Therefore, let all who work tirelessly all nights and all days for the betterment of pandemic know that our human efforts will be blest if we know and believe that “it is the Lord.” Let every hand that serves, serve the Lord.