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.

Look What Jesus Caught

And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee: And leaving the city Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capharnaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim; That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet: Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers). And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. And they immediately leaving their nets, followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and he called them. And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom: and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity, among the people.
Matthew 4:12-23 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father your son caught a few fish himself and made them fishers of men as well. What about us in our time. Are we too, caught by Jesus and are we fishers of men also? I began to wonder then about those who go ice fishing or those who stand alone by the shore fishing. What do they think about as they wait for the fish to bite? Do they think of you dear Father and ponder the mystery of the universe? One would think fishers of fish are contemplatives when they fish alone. But we never know what they truly think about. Jesus, you came after these particular men because you knew what they were capable of, how they could draw people to you. When you touch our hearts dear Father, what are you asking of us to do for you? To go fishing and bring love and healing to those who are seeking to be caught by your love? You caught my heart and you have kept me in your living water. Like all the others who have been caught by the hook of love and mercy. Amen

Launch Out Into the Deep

And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship. Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke. And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking. Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken. And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.
Luke 5:1-11 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father how often have I witnessed the saving grace of your Son and fell at His feet in total disbelief because of my sinfulness. Where I too have been amazed and astonished for the love and support you have showed me all my life. Just as Peter had declared himself a sinful man for his own lack of faith in your presence, so have I when I failed to believe. And yet you continue to love me and show me your loving presence and teach me. I want to learn and to follow and not be afraid. My heart belongs to you and in that I will forever sing your praise dear Father, even when I have fallen flat on my face and failed to do your will. Your love has brought forgiveness and healing to a wounded soul where I faltered in doubt in what you have given me. May I always be a witness to your love and forgiveness, for you are the one who not only saves but loves without measure. May my prayers be heard and your love be forever mine. Amen