Daily Gospel Reflection for April 14, 2023: Friday in the Octave of Easter

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Kathryn Mulderink

Today's Gospel: John 21:1-14

It’s still Easter Day! The readings at Mass during this Octave keep drawing us into the glorious drama of Jesus’s resurrection and setting things aright for the spreading of His Kingdom, all the way to Divine Mercy Sunday, the Eighth Day.

Today’s Gospel is best studied alongside the first miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11), so that we can see how Peter has been transformed over the three years he was with Jesus.

When Jesus first calls Peter, He tells him to “put out into the deep,” but Peter objects that they have already worked hard all night and caught nothing. The time for fishing is over, so it seems pointless. He obeys reluctantly (did he put out the nets to prove his own point?) and is so shocked by the number of fish – so many their nets were breaking and their boats were sinking! – that he falls to his knees and says to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man!” but Jesus patiently calls him beyond his initial fear to discipleship.

In this second miraculous catch of fish, Peter’s response is completely different. Their nets are empty. Jesus is on the shore and again tells them to cast the net on the other side. Rather than object, they did so and caught “one hundred fifty-three large fish.” Rather than try to push Jesus away because of his sinfulness, Peter is the first to jump out of the boat into the water to get to Jesus faster, even though they were close to the shore. Peter is now humbled and so ready to lead.

“Come, have breakfast,” Jesus says, as He prepares bread and fish over the charcoal fire. Jesus feeds the disciples so that they can feed others, and He feeds us as well.

Ponder:

How has being with Jesus transformed my own heart and mind, so that they are humbled and expanded to receive His love and His grace?

Pray:

Lord, thank You for feeding me with Your Word and Your Body. Show me the ways that I am called to feed others and bring Your love and grace to every aching heart.

Click to tweet:
“Come, have breakfast,” Jesus says, as He prepares bread and fish over the charcoal fire. Jesus feeds the disciples so that they can feed others, and He feeds us as well. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Kathryn Mulderink

Kathryn Mulderink, MA is mother of seven, grandmother of seven, and president of the local Secular Discalced Carmelites. She has published five books. Over 30 years, she has worked in school and parish administration and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church as a DRE, writer, and speaker, helping others encounter Christ. www.KathrynTherese.com