Has He Captured You Yet?

After this, Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. And he shewed himself after this manner. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas, who is called Didymus, and Nathanael, who was of Cana of Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 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.

He saith to them: Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore; and now they were not able to draw it, for the multitude of fishes. That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved, said to Peter: It is the Lord. Simon Peter, when he heard that it was the Lord, girt his coat about him, (for he was naked,) and cast himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the ship, (for they were not far from the land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

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 now 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. And Jesus cometh and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish in like manner. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to his disciples, after he was risen from the dead.
John 21:1-14 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father, Jesus not only appeared a third time but gave them a large catch of fish as an added benefit. What an investment that was! Wouldn't we say then that Jesus had caught their attention as well. Doesn't Jesus do that with us? Capture our attention with the many ways he gives of himself. Like the breaking of the bread, peace be with you and now the fish and bread. And look at what he says to the apostles, "Come, and dine." The invitation to be with him at the Eucharistic banquet. How often have we gone to that very banquet without thinking how truly present he is there with us. Just like when we dine at home, it's a routine, isn't it? But when we go to Mass and partake, that is no ordinary banquet to dine at. I wonder how many times he has to appear in this manner for us to realize the truth and the truth of His Word.