Today’s Readings:
Acts 4:1-12
Psalm 118:1-2,4,22-27
John 21:1-14
Someone told me that Jesus came to unite us by his death and resurrection, and I believe him. Because the last thing Jesus did before He suffered death and was resurrected was to have a meal with his disciples. The “Last Supper” on Holy Thursday was the last time Jesus discussed and dined with His disciples. He taught them, washed their feet (showing them a lesson in humility), He offered them his body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine. He showed his disciples that unity is very important. This unity finds its source in a relationship with Him.
And to restate that initial relationship, He now deepens and completes it with a visit after His resurrection. They had abandoned their ministry and gone back to their previous profession—they went fishing. From the shore, Jesus calls out to them. When they said they had not caught anything, He pointed them to a huge catch of fish just as he had done when He first called them. This underscores the fact that their lives only had meaning through a relationship with Him. When the disciples came ashore, Jesus had already made breakfast and invited them for a meal. Jesus completes the circle which begins with the evening meal before his death (a time of gloom and fear) and ends with the Eucharistic meal of the resurrection (a time of renewed strength, revival and reawakening). Whether in good or bad times, through our joys and pains, Jesus is with us. In our age, we need to rediscover the abiding presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is only through a Eucharistic life (where we Celebrate Jesus, Commune with Him and Adore Him) that we can draw strength to love God, love others and truly love ourselves. There are instances in our lives where we betray the mission that Christ has given us.
We do not love God when:
We only come to Him for fear of dying in a state of sin.
When our relationship with others is not founded on prayer and holiness.
When we use others for our advantage (for instance “arranged marriage” or marriage for papers is a selfish act where you use the other person for your benefit).
Acting purely from how we feel—love is a choice and not just based on how you feel.
We use sex and substance abuse as a means of escaping reality.
We are unwilling to face the realities of life — pain, poverty, illness and death are all realities of life which you cannot wish away.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “ Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Dear God, grant me the grace and wisdom to live each day as if it is my last and focus on loving You, my neighbour and myself.
Deepen my faith and my love for family. Help me to forgive others and flee from sin. Amen
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