Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 25, 2025

Friday in the Octave of Easter

Scripture Text: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way.

Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you." So, they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." So, he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So, they cast it and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So, the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord."

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on the shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught." So, Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.

Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from the Gospel of John recounts Jesus’ third appearance to His disciples after His resurrection. Jesus uses this encounter to open up for them an awareness of their coming mission. On their own, they caught no fish, but acting on Christ’s direction, they caught a plethora of fish. Jesus had earlier told them they would become “fishers of men.” This catch points to that. On their own, when they were asked to feed a multitude, they could only see their lack of food. Now, though Jesus has food at the fire, He calls the disciple to “bring some of the fish you caught.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How open am I to Christ’s call to me? Would I throw my net again after no success?

Praying:

Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior and Lord, we lift our minds and hearts to You this day full of praise and thanksgiving. We ask that You send the Spirit to fully open us to You and your voice, your guidance and love, so that we might more fully live into our discipleship and more closely follow You. Amen.