FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Simon Peter . . . tucked in his garment . . . and jumped into the sea.

The apostles’ lives had changed so much in so little time. Jesus had washed their feet on Holy Thursday and then faced his death on Good Friday. Three days later came the news of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Some had seen him a few times since that morning, but the apostles must have longed to see Jesus again, to be with him one more time. But he didn’t come back. So you might forgive them for being a bit slow to recognize Jesus when he appeared on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

All that changed with the miraculous catch of fish and with John’s cry of recognition: “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7). Immediately Peter jumped into the water and waded to the shore.

Like the apostles, we can have days when we feel as if the Lord is distant from us. We try to pray to him, but we just don’t sense his presence. Even now, just a few days after Easter, the excitement may have worn off, leaving us with the sense that everything has returned to the ho-hum way it was before Ash Wednesday.

It’s okay to feel that way every now and then. After all, it’s just a feeling. It’s not as if Jesus has changed his mind and decided to stop loving you or caring for you. You could be having a bad day. Questions at home or at work may be weighing on you. Or maybe you just didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Whatever the case, you can still trust that Jesus is with you and that he is looking out for you.

When you find yourself feeling discouraged like this, take a few moments to reflect on why Peter jumped out of that boat. He had waited long enough; he couldn’t wait even a few more minutes to be next to the Lord! Similarly, know that a moment of recognition is in your future as well, a moment when the clouds clear and you sense his presence once again. Until that day, stay watchful in prayer, confident in his love, and ready to jump into the sea as soon as you spot him.

“Lord, help me to hold fast to you in faith.”

Acts 4:1-12
Psalm 118:1-2, 4, 22-27
John 21:1-14

WORD AMONG US