FRIDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment . . . and jumped into the sea.

Can you remember a moment when you felt such unbridled excitement and anticipation that you couldn’t stand still? For example, you may recall childhood memories of waking early on Christmas Day and racing to the tree to open your presents.

In today’s Gospel, we see Peter, like a child on Christmas morning, throwing himself into the water just to be near his Savior. Although he had seen Jesus alive before, Peter didn’t want to miss a single chance to be with him. Not even his past denials could stifle his anticipation. Perhaps he wondered what his Master might have in store for him this time.

As we grow into adulthood, moments like these seem to become rarer. We might feel an overwhelming joy or anticipation as we await our wedding day or the birth of a child. But we are often distracted by our daily obligations. Or maybe we feel our hearts trudging under the weight of our worries. Before we know it, our joy gets swept away, and we miss the blessings God brings to us.

As Catholics, we can experience no greater blessing than receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. Just as Peter’s bounding enthusiasm culminated in an encounter with Jesus, we can rush to meet the Lord and joyfully share a meal with him in Holy Communion. He will feed us just as surely as he fed Peter breakfast on the beach that day. This should fill our hearts with joy and eager anticipation for the next time we will receive him.

At every Mass, Jesus invites you to come and eat. Rather than a simple breakfast of bread and fish, he wants to nourish you with his own Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity! He wants to move your heart with so much joy that you will want to run to meet him every chance you get.

This Sunday, ask Jesus to help you anticipate and appreciate the great gift of the Eucharist. Ask him to help you get ready to receive him. Be like Peter and don’t let anything hold you back. Don’t take his presence for granted. The Holy Spirit can open your eyes and fill you with wonder and awe at his presence.

“Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Eucharist. Help me to receive you with joy.”

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