The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Eduard Fuguso SVD – SVD Retreat House, Tagaytay City
Friday in the Octave of Easter
Introduction
Two elderly friends once met on the road. Hard of hearing, one asked, “Hoy pare’, saan ka pupunta?” The other replied, “Diyan lang, pare, mangingisda.” The first quipped back, “Ah, akala ko mangingisda ka eh.” Their exchange was amusing, but it reminds us how easily we mishear or misunderstand.
The Gospel Scene
In today’s Gospel (John 21:1–14), the disciples went fishing but caught nothing. Their failure was not due to deafness or blindness, but perhaps lack of skill or simple bad luck. Yet everything changed when they encountered Jesus. Only when they met Him, recognized Him, and obeyed His command to cast the net on the right side did they experience a miraculous catch.
Lessons for Reflection
- Encounter: Fruitfulness begins with meeting Jesus. Without Him, our nets remain empty.
- Recognition: Like the disciples, we may not always see Him clearly at first. But His presence becomes undeniable in our lives when we open our hearts.
- Obedience: Success comes when we trust His word, even after repeated failures.
Questions for the Heart
- Do I have the complete elements for a meaningful encounter with the Divine?
- Do I easily despair after failure, or do I try again with faith?
- Am I focused on the “half-empty glass” or the “half-filled glass”?
- Do I recognize Jesus’ role in my successes?
Conclusion
The disciples’ nets were filled only when Jesus was present. So too, our lives find meaning and abundance when we allow Him to guide us. Let us not despair at empty nets, but trust that with Christ, our efforts will bear fruit.
“Lord Jesus, help me to recognize You in my failures, obey Your word, and trust in Your presence.”
