Reflect on Jesus's miraculous provision and faith-strengthening presence in the lives of His disciples, and consider how to share your own experiences of God's presence today.
Today's Gospel: John 21:1-14
Seven disciples went fishing. Were they bored or needing a distraction? Just reverting back to an old habit? They needed money and this was the only way they knew how to raise it? They may still have been afraid of being discovered and arrested like Jesus was.
Jesus telling them to lower their nets on the right side of the boat resulting in a huge catch of fish would have been like a déjà vu moment for Peter and Andrew. It's nearly an exact repeat of the miracle from Luke’s Gospel. (Luke 5:4-6) This would’ve felt so familiar it gave them a clue as to whom the stranger on the shore was.
Jesus miraculously provided so many fish, which would have helped them financially that day. But He provided so much more – a reminder of their time together, an opportunity to share fellowship over a meal again and to ask questions of Jesus, and a feeling of special love and courage that only their leader could provide. It was also a bold confirmation that Jesus had indeed conquered death as they had witnessed at Lazarus’s rising from the dead.
All of these became lessons to strengthen their faith in Jesus as their Messiah, especially since this was the third time Jesus showed Himself to them. It was also the first time He'd showed Himself outside of their hiding place in the upper room. By the time Jesus left them this time, it would’ve been daylight, but the men would’ve taken their large bounty into town to sell with less fear of being arrested. Then these seven men certainly would have hurried back to that upper room full of excitement and boldness to share with the others their remarkable night.
Ponder:
When have you felt God’s presence lately that strengthened your faith, and who do you need to excitedly share that story with today?
Pray:
My Dear Jesus, thank You for being our provider, our comforter, and our loving friend. Help alleviate any of my doubts in Your Kingship so that I can boldly grow Your Kingdom with my faith.
Pray Together:
Make extra food or dessert with your family so that you can share it with someone in need.
Copyright 2026 Colleen Mallette
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments