Return To Fishing: Advice For Today

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

Good Morning, everyone.  My apologies for being a little late with this week's meditation. Blessings on this day! Do let us know how SpiritCare  can be of support to you and your community.  I have a couple of Zoom services coming up this month with some of your residents and patients.  I am so grateful.  I miss being with you, your staff, and those you serve. May we find new ways of coming together.     

Scripture:  John 21:10-14  
Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.  Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.  This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.     

Photo by mali maeder from Pexels

Meditation
I love the image of Jesus sitting calmly on the beach cooking while giving fishing instructions.  The disciples on the other hand, went from a long frustrating night of catching nothing, to quickly having to haul in a very full net of fish.  It always makes me smile.   Aren't we like the disciples?  We get bored.  We get frustrated.  Maybe we even get afraid.  Yet, Jesus is always there for us, with the nourishment and counsel that we need to sustain us on the journey.  

We just need to listen.  

​Another insight I get from this passage is that in their frustration, disappointment, and sorrow, the disciples decided to go back to fishing.  After all, it was a life they knew well, and the last three years had been confusing, and at times very difficult.   However, Jesus knew that previous phase of their lives had come to a close. There is great tenderness in this passage, and I do recommend reading it in its entirety.   I believe the lesson here is to remember that we are always being called forward into new life.  Yes, sometimes we are reluctant to go.  We want to return to what we once knew.  Yet, a Christian life is one that follows the Good Shepherd into a life of transformation. Let us learn to trust the journey.  We are being led with care, and we are being made anew in surprising ways.  Jesus calmly waits.  Let us go.  

​Prayer
This prayer comes from the wonderful book, Following Jesus, Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety, by Henri J.M. Nouwen. (Ed: See Resources For Caregivers on Henri Nouwen.org)

Lord Jesus,  
I come to you to enter into the mystery of your way...
There are many struggles and I will always have many struggles,
but with you, O Lord, I am living in the Light. 
With you, O Lord, I am moving more and more towards Life.
With you, O Lord, I know I am safe.  
Let me celebrate my life in a spirit of gratitude, 
grateful that I am here and grateful you are my Guide.     
 Amen 

Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
SpiritCare Ministry to Seniors 
 
www.hearthpsalms.blogspot.com