Jesus Appears To His Disciples On The Shore Of Lake Genesareth

“Simon Peter saith to them: ‘I go a fishing.’ They say to him: ‘We also come with thee.’ And they went forth, and entered into the ship, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them: ‘Children, have you any meat?’ They answered Him: ‘No.’” (John 21, 3–6).

In spirit, visit the shore of Genesareth; see the Apostles casting out their nets in vain and Jesus standing on the shore, lovingly conversing with them.

Grant me grace, O Jesus, to sanctify all my labors by obedience and the good intention, that they may become fruitful for the salvation of souls and merit an everlasting reward.

Obedient to the injunction of the Lord, the disciples had gone to Galilee, there to be vouchsafed a new apparition of their Divine Master. To flee idleness and to earn their daily sustenance, they engaged in their usual occupation—fishing—a rather laborious task. They sacrificed their rest, and labored assiduously all night. God’s Providence has so ordained that all men must labor to live; all must earn their daily bread in the sweat of their brow. Religious are not exempt, and those who are called to exercise the works of mercy must, in a particular manner, immolate themselves whole-heartedly, at the cost of supreme effort, to this duty. Do we bear in mind that we shall one day have to render a strict account of the disposition of our time, of our strength, and our faculties? The Apostles had labored all night fruitlessly and taken nothing. God, Who had destined them to be fishers of men, would show them how little their talents and efforts could avail for the salvation of others if not supported by the assistance and blessing of God.

We, too, have been vouchsafed the inestimable grace of being called to the apostolate. We, too, have the sublime vocation of laboring for the salvation of souls. We do this in a particular manner by discharging the duties of our holy vocation with patience, meekness and love. Let us not rely on our own strength and zeal, but solely on the grace of God, that our labors be not fruitless. Let us consider the words of the Apostle: “Therefore, neither he that planteth is anything, nor he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3, 7).

We must strive to sanctify our labors by uninterrupted prayer, and perform them with the good intention in the presence of Jesus, that His blessing may fructify them and enrich us with countless merits for heaven. How often have my labors been in vain because of my failure to sanctify them by the good intention?

At daybreak Jesus stood on the shore but the Apostles did not recognize Him. He said to them: “Children, have you any meat?” They answered Him: “No.” He said to them: “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find.” In spite of His tender words, calling them “children,” Jesus was not yet recognized by the disciples. He well knew that the Apostles had labored in vain and that they were completely exhausted and fatigued, but, before aiding them miraculously, He would hear from their own lips the confession of their utter helplessness. We, too, provided we are sincere and cling to Him with childlike love and devotion, are objects of the Saviour’s most tender love. How often does He inwardly remind us of the needs of our soul and urge us, as it were, zealously to implore His assistance, that in answer to the humble confession of our spiritual poverty He may pour out upon us more generously the treasures of His grace. The Apostles cast out their nets without delay and were rewarded with a generous draught. Thus God will bless all our actions if they bear the mark of obedience. On the contrary, whatever is performed from mere preference and self-will, shall fail.

In imitation of the Apostles, we will promptly obey the voice of him who speaks to us in the name of God. In the spirit of faith, we will subject ourselves unreservedly to those who hold God’s place in our regard. We will obey them willingly, cheerfully and perseveringly, with childlike simplicity, taking no heed either of interior repugnance or private opinion. “All things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9, 22), and “an obedient man shall speak of victory” (Prov. 21, 28), we read in Holy Scripture.

Has my experience not frequently testified to the truth of these words? Do I habitually obey in a spirit of faith, prompted by supernatural motives, and is my obedience, consequently, rendered cheerfully and whole-heartedly?

O Divine Saviour, must I not fear that my labors for the salvation of souls have been useless and without merit for heaven? Alas, I have forgotten Thy words: “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15, 5). Prompted by vain self-confidence and relying on my own strength, I have neglected to labor in Thy presence and to commend my work to Thee by fervent prayer. I humbly acknowledge my weakness and inefficiency, O my Saviour. I will have recourse to Thy Omnipotence with implicit trust, the more securely rely on Thy assistance, the more miserable I am. Humbly submissive to all who command in Thy name, I will expect of Thee the blessing Thou so generously impartest to obedient souls.

Resolution: I will perform all my actions in a spirit of faith and love.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Without Me you can do nothing.”

Prayer: Take, O Lord . . .