Easter Inspiration # 10 Wherever You Are

The encounter of the risen Jesus with the disciples by the Sea of Galilee seems so normal. There is no crowd whose needs demand to be met, or challenging Scribes who present traps for Jesus. To the contrary, this beautiful scene is like any other day, even the days that occurred before Jesus’ ministry began.

The disciples are fishing again, and like any of us, they too lose themselves in their work. There is no talk of bringing the good news to others. There is no talk of the stresses they must feel because of the Jewish leaders and authorities. There is no talk even of the encounters they have had with the resurrected Lord. It is just like any other day, filled with work and busyness, catching fish and doing what they have been doing for years.

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.”He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. (John 21:4-8)

Jesus is coming to your place of work today. You probably will not recognize Him at first, and because of this you may even be tempted to ignore Him. But if you are on the lookout for Jesus; if you expect to encounter Him, your day will change. When this happens, some of us will behave as Peter does. Rightly or wrongly, we will drop everything and go after Him. And some of us will do as the other disciples have done, finishing the day’s task, all the time aware of God’s presence and encouragement.

It is this encounter by the Sea of Galilee that has taught the Church that Christianity is not about a single day but about every day. It is not about emotional highs or even high feasts of the community to be celebrated. Christianity is about Jesus. And today He is going to meet you wherever you are.