Breakfast at Dawn: Encountering the Risen Christ Again
Sunday Reflection | John 21:1–19
After the trauma of Good Friday and the mystery of the empty tomb, the disciples found themselves in limbo—caught between what they had witnessed and what they still didn’t understand. Confused and grieving, some returned to what was familiar. "I’m going fishing," Peter says. It wasn’t just a pastime—it was a quiet retreat back to what they once knew, a life before Jesus changed everything.
This is where Jesus meets them.
In the early light of dawn, Jesus calls out from the shore. The disciples don’t immediately recognize Him, much like we often miss Christ’s presence in our daily routines. But He is there—waiting, watching, and ready to reveal Himself once again.
The miracle of the overflowing net is more than a catch—it’s a sign. It’s Jesus saying, “I’m still here. I’ve not given up on you.” And in that moment, recognition breaks through. “It is the Lord!” John exclaims. Peter’s response is beautifully impulsive—he jumps into the sea, desperate to reach Jesus first. There’s no hesitation. No shame. Only love.
After the miraculous catch comes the quiet invitation: “Come, have breakfast.” It’s so ordinary, yet so sacred. Jesus nourishes them—not just with bread and fish—but with reassurance, presence, and renewed purpose.
And then, He turns to Peter—the one who had denied Him three times—and offers restoration, not condemnation. “Do you love me?” Jesus asks, three times over. With each question, Peter’s past is redeemed. With each reply, Jesus entrusts him with His mission: “Feed my sheep.”
Pastoral Insight: From Despair to Commissioning
As our pastor reminded us this week, the disciples were burdened by despair, unsure whether to carry on Christ’s mission. They were afraid, uncertain, and emotionally spent—just as we often are. But Jesus’s death was not defeat; it was the beginning of a greater victory. Through His Resurrection, everything changed.
The Risen Christ appears not with grand declarations, but with quiet presence, a meal shared, and a personal calling. He continues to reveal Himself to us today—through Scripture, through the Eucharist, and through moments of stillness where His voice can reach us.
The Resurrection is the heart of our faith. Without it, there would be no Church, mission, or hope. But because Christ is risen, we gather, believe, and go forth—fed not only in body but in spirit, transformed by the truth of Easter.
Living the Gospel
This week, let us reflect:
Where in our lives are we tempted to return to “fishing”—to our old ways or comfort zones?
Are we open to recognizing Christ, even when He appears quietly, unexpectedly?
Are we ready to respond to His call: “Do you love me? … Follow me”?
May we, like Peter, leap from our boats and swim toward the Savior. May we be bold in proclaiming Him—not just with words, but in how we care for His flock.
Christ is risen. And He is still calling.