After he appeared to his followers in Jerusalem, Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberius; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin. Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They said to him, We’ll go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No!” (John 21:1-5)
How does Jesus appear to us? Well, a lot of different ways. In scripture. In the meal. In the gathering of the Body (the people of God). In baptism.
Yet I was struck by the leading phrase, “…he showed himself in this way,” and how it sets us up for what’s next. What’s next, before the picnic on the beach, before they recognize Jesus, before even the catch of fish, what’s next is only an empty net, no fish. The story suggests that a prelude to Jesus appearing to us might be difficult times when we are running on empty: no fish, no wisdom, no bright ideas, no resources, no answers to persistent questions, no job, no whatever it is we are searching for. We look up from whatever short-comings and gaping needs that surround us, from whatever emptiness has carved itself into us, and there he is–present, watching us, waiting for us to notice, ready to give help, give of himself.
Don’t jump to the net too soon. Don’t let the mouth start watering over grilled fish and baked bread yet. Jesus shows himself in this way: he shows up when we are empty. That means that no-fish times are opportunities to look up for the Lord.
At the moment I’m in a “no fish” place. Guess that might be a good thing if I start looking up.
Bill says
I came across your blog via Bishop Kelvin’s blog in New Zealand and I have been lurking around for a while here. Love your pics! Is New Cumberland in Eastern PA? I went to Millersville University near Lancaster, PA.
I was wondering if you would be interested in reviewing my new book, a volume of spirituality called A 30 Day Retreat: A Personal Guide to Spiritual Renewal (May 2010, Paulist Press). You can read more about the book on my website http://www.williamcmills.com
If interested, I will will have Paulist send you a copy and press release ASAP.
Thanks for your time and keep blogging!!!
Pax Christi
William Mills
Elaine Dent says
I’m curious, Bill, and will send you an email today.
Daisy says
I’m nodding my head, Elaine. 🙂
Mich