Renewed Purpose

Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.
Jn.21:6

The risen Jesus appears to the apostles, advising them to cast their net where they hadn't been fishing. A massive catch ensues and Jesus is finally recognised.

The apostles were starting to drift back to their old ways, for fishermen that means back to fishing. Jesus calls them back to the mission he had originally set for them. The bountiful catch got their attention, the shared breakfast regained their purpose.

Easter is a time of new life, of renewed purpose. 

What is it Lord that you want me to do? Am I to cast my net in a new direction?
Saint Peter, please pray for me.

Forgiven

In his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations.
Lk.24:47

The risen Jesus appears to the disciples and assures, teaches and commissions them.

There is the mission, preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins in Jesus' name. To the degree I'm doing that is the measure of my Christian life. I'm not just to receive forgiveness, I'm to dispense it in Jesus' name.

Lord, your forgiveness has set me free. Help me unlock the chains of guilt in others in your mighty name.
Saint Peter, please pray for me.

Listen

Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us...
Lk.24:32

The two disciples are despairing and unknowingly share their broken hearts with the risen Jesus. When they stop talking and start listening, burning heart surgery takes place.

Prayer is a two way conversation. I forget this, pouring out my burdens and requests, not giving my Lord a chance to speak back, a chance to work on my heart.

Speak Lord, your servant is listening...

He knows my Name

Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then.
Jn.20:16

Mary Magdalene had been standing outside the empty tomb of Jesus weeping in despair. Thinking him a gardener, Jesus calls Mary's name, causing her to recognise him. Suddenly her mourning is transformed into great heights of joy. 

Jesus knows my name. One day I will hear him call me. At that moment all tears, anguish, guilt, sickness death and despair will permanently disappear, leaving what? Everlasting, indescribable joy. 

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come.

Embrace the Towel

If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.
Jn.13:15

The night before Jesus' passion and death he gave the Church two gifts, the eucharist and servanthood. 

Lately I have felt like everyone wants a piece of me. I've recently retired and I've never been so busy. Jesus is saying to me, "Yeah, good aye!" 

Servanthood is not a drudge for a Christian. It's an opportunity to love someone my Lord loves. Isn't that what true servanthood is?  

Lord, help me embrace the towel as you did and serve in love.
Saint Therese of Calcutta, please pray for me.

Not I, Surely?

Judas, who was to betray him; asked in his turn, ‘Not I, Rabbi, surely?’ ‘They are your own words’ answered Jesus.
Mt.16:25

Judas plays out his duplicity to the end. "Not I, surely?" He is condemned by his own words.

These are also my condemning words. "Not I, surely?" Yet, each time I sin I betray. Thank God for his mercy. I need it.

Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Saint Dismas, please pray for me.

Jesus Remember Me

It is better for one man to die for the people, than for the whole nation to be destroyed.
Jn.11:50

The high priest Caiaphas unwittingly prophesied the reason Jesus was to die. He died so we can live.

Where am I in the crowd around him on Golgotha? Good question. I see myself on his right hand cross, nailed there deservedly for my sins but crying out, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom".

Saint Dismas, please pray for me.