Jesus Prepares A Repast For His Disciples

“As soon then as they came to land, they saw hot coals lying, and a fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith to them: ‘Bring hither of the fishes which you have caught.’ Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of great fishes, one hundred and fifty-three. And although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus saith to them: ‘Come, and dine.’ And none of them who were at meat durst ask him: ‘Who art Thou?’ knowing that it was the Lord.” (John 21, 9-13).

First Prelude: Behold Jesus inviting His disciples to partake of the repast, and Himself serving them.

Second Prelude: O my Saviour, give me a better realization of Thy goodness and love, that I may be more solicitous to render myself worthy of it.

First Point

JESUS PREPARES A REPAST FOR HIS DISCIPLES

Having left their ships, the disciples found a fire kindled and a fish frying over it, and some bread. Thus Jesus proved Himself again the loving Father of the house, who provides the necessary nourishment for His children, weary after hard labor. To afford them the pleasure of tasting of the fruits of their own hands, He said: “Bring hither of the fishes which you have now caught.” Simon Peter, the first in his fiery zeal, pulled the net full of big fishes to the shore. How admirable is the love of Jesus in this instance! “Bring hither of the fishes which you have now caught” this benign Master said, as though the generous draught had been the reward of their exertions. In like manner, Jesus deals with us even today. Our actions derive their merit primarily from the infusion of sanctifying grace and the influence of actual grace on our understanding and will. Nevertheless, God proportions His reward to the degree of our exertion, as though He would leave us under the happy impression that we ourselves are the authors and source of our joy and good fortune; whereas, as St. Augustine so beautifully expresses it, “He crowns His own gifts in us.” May we never prove ungrateful for such loving condescension on the part of God, that it may at the same time serve us to humble ourselves and in the conviction of our unworthiness to say with the Apostle: “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15, 10).

Do I strive to imitate the tender love of our Blessed Lord by gladly denying myself in favor of others? Am I happy when others enjoy the fruits of my endeavors, and receive the recognition that I believe to have merited? Have I not frequently, on the contrary, sought praise and recognition?

Second Point

JESUS SERVES HIS APOSTLES DURING THE REPAST

Jesus knew quite well that His Apostles were completely exhausted with labor and tormented by hunger, therefore, He said to them: “Come and eat.” And with His divine hands He, Himself, waited on them during the meal. Who should not here admire the infinite love of Jesus! While they were busy at work, His inventive love prepared for them the strengthening repast. This generosity condescended to the lowliest services; and His disinterestedness waited eagerly to gladden the heart of the Apostles. To replenish their strength, so necessary for the accomplishing of greater undertakings, Jesus lovingly provided refreshment and consolation for the fatigued disciples.

The Lord deals in like manner with all who are lovingly devoted to Him. He not only affords them interior and spiritual consolation, but frequently compensates them for their labors by exterior and material comforts. In a truly fatherly manner He provides for all their needs and gives them even beyond their desires. His divine goodness, however, is manifested most wonderfully in the Eucharistic Banquet, which in infinite love, He has instituted for our nourishment and support in the difficulties and trials of life. May we always approach this heavenly Banquet with sentiments of profound humility and heartfelt gratitude, animated with holy joy and love, in the realization of the infinite mildness and liberality of Jesus, our beloved Saviour!

If we are chosen to serve our Lord in the person of the poor, the suffering, the children entrusted to our care, let us acquit ourselves of such a noble charge generously and wholeheartedly, counting naught as irksome or difficult in the service of charity. Let us do this affably, bestowing our gifts in a kindly manner to comfort the poor. Is it my aim to prove my gratitude for the immeasurable goodness and the countless benefits Jesus lavishes upon me, by performing the duties of my vocation with love and kindliness?

Affections: I thank Thee, most benign Jesus, for Thy loving solicitude for Thy creatures, especially those consecrated to Thee. How happy are we to be beloved by so magnanimous a God, so tender a Father, so loving a Bridegroom! Oh, that we would proclaim Thy superabounding goodness to the whole world, and glorify Thee in our every word and work! Divine Saviour, Who so often in the Holy Eucharist dost overwhelm our souls with reverence and humility, inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy divine love, that it may consume whatever is imperfect in us, and wholly transform our affections and tendencies, that Thou mayest live in us and we may constantly live in Thee.

Resolution: I will honor my Saviour in the person of my companions in religion and those entrusted to me, and will manifest goodness, affability and indulgence toward them.

Spiritual Bouquet: “And Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them.”

Prayer: O Jesus, living in Mary…