Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Dionisio Nellas SVD – Ghana, Africa
Friday in the Octave of Easter
The disciples left their boats and nets when Jesus called them to follow him, “From now on you will be catching men” (Lk. 5:10-11). Perhaps it was out of survival or frustration that they went to their former way of making a living, i.e., fishing, since Jesus was no more with them.
In the past, when Jesus was still with them, they enjoyed many privileges: they became popular because Jesus was famous; they did not go hungry because Jesus fed them; they did not feel broke because in the ministry of Jesus support in cash or kind were forthcoming. They even allowed Judas Iscariot to be their treasurer for various funds received.
Now, these seasoned fishermen toiled the whole night but caught nothing. Their efforts were in vain until Jesus stood on the shore and ordered them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. They caught so many fish that they could not even haul the net in. Having realized that it was the Lord, their hearts were filled with inner peace and joy. Since then, they did not leave the company of Jesus.
In our life as Christians, there are times that we feel the Lord is nowhere to be found, especially in moments of crisis and difficulties. Hence, there are tendencies, like what the disciples did of “backsliding”— going back to the old life without Christ.
The truth is, the risen Lord is always with us, as he promised: “Know that I am with you always till the end of the world” (Mat. 28:20). In times of crisis, we should not lose hope but allow the risen Lord to be with us and obey his loving commands so that we catch his bountiful blessings of inner peace and joy.
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