Friar’s Corner: Breakfast with the risen Jesus

Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Psalm 30:2-6, 11- 13; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19

 The gospels record that Jesus appeared eight times from Easter Sunday until his Ascension. However, the last sentence of St. John, 21:25 says: But there are also many other things that Jesus did, and if every one of them was recorded, I do not think the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

I have spent the last several days going over all the resurrection stories. I shall give you a list to study in a little bit.

This Sunday we have the fifth story as St. John tells us about Jesus providing breakfast for seven followers who had fished all night yet caught nothing. Jesus was standing on the shore and told them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat and they “will find something.” They caught one hundred and fifty-three large fish.

Come, have breakfast

Jesus then invited them to bring some him of their fish. He already had a charcoal fire with bread and some fish. Jesus invited them for breakfast. How do you like that? Is that the only time Jesus provides us with breakfast? Most days around the world Jesus invites us to have breakfast with him and he is the best food. This is what Jesus did at the Last Supper and what we have been doing for almost two thousand years. Amazing grace! Yes? I get more amazed and excited at daily Mass.

St. John gives us much to think and pray about in this story. After breakfast, he asks Simon Peter three times if he loves him. Why? Because of the three times Peter denied being a disciple at the trial of Jesus before his death. Then Jesus tells Peter, “Feed My lambs; Tend my sheep; Feed my sheep.” I could do more with this yet I want you to spend some time in the next few weeks, before the Ascension, prayerfully reading over all of the eight Easter appearances.

Nine Easter stories

What do you learn from each of the gospel stories? Which one do you like the most? How does that one impact you? Here are the stories.

1) Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalen and other women at the tomb: Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:9-11, Luke 24:1-12 and John 20:11-18.

2) Jesus appeared to Cleopas and Luke on their way to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-25 and Mark 16:12-13.

3) Jesus appeared on Easter evening: Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-43 and John 20:19-23.

4) Jesus appeared one Sunday later when Thomas was present: John 20:24-30.

5) Jesus gives breakfast to seven apostles and disciples: John 21:1-14.

6) Jesus appeared to eleven disciples in Galilee and gave his great commission: Matthew 28:20-22.

7) “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not recorded in this work. But those written here have been recorded so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and through your belief, you may have life in his Name,” John 20:30-31.

8) Jesus appeared for the last time at his Ascension in Jerusalem, Luke 24:50-51.

9) Jesus’ final instruction, “wait in the city until you receive power from on high,” Acts 1:3-8.

It is not good that I only feed you for these moments. If I show you how to fish in God’s word, I feed you for a lifetime as the Holy Spirit guides you. Prayerfully reflect on these texts and see which one enlightens you the most.

Have a blessed week being lifted higher and closer to Jesus,

+  Fr. Bob Hilz
fbhilz@gmail.com

(© 2019 Fr. Bob Hilz, TOR)