THREE LESSONS FROM THE THIRD APPARITION

Today’s Gospel reading (John 21:12) recounts the third apparition of our risen Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples, a moment that contains powerful lessons of hope, renewal, and divine provision.

Picture the scene: The disciples, having faced the turmoil of their Master’s crucifixion and the wonder of His resurrection, find themselves at the Sea of Tiberias. Peter decides to fish, and though they work hard all night, they catch nothing. But as the sun rises, a mysterious figure on the shore tells them to try the other side of the boat. When they listen, they’re blessed with an incredible catch—153 fish!

1. Here, my friends, is where we find our first lesson: When we follow the guidance of the Lord, even when it seems counterintuitive, we are often blessed with abundance far beyond our expectations. How often do we, in our lives, toil through the night, relying on our own strength, only to come up empty? It’s in these moments of our greatest need that Jesus shows up, guiding us toward a bounty we could never have imagined.

2. As the disciples come ashore, they see that Jesus has prepared a fire, with fish cooking and bread waiting. He invites them to bring some of their catch and come dine with Him. In this act of sharing a meal, Jesus demonstrates the second lesson: the importance of fellowship and communion with Him. Jesus didn’t just provide for their physical needs; He nurtured their spirits, reaffirming the relationship that binds them together. In our lives, too, Jesus invites us to share in fellowship with Him, to partake of the spiritual nourishment He offers.

3. Lastly, this story reveals the transformative power of recognizing Jesus in our everyday lives. Initially, the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus who stood on the shore. It was only through His actions, through the miracle of the catch and the breaking of bread, that they came to see Him. How often do we overlook the presence of Jesus in our daily lives? He is there in the helping hand of a stranger, in the comforting words of a friend, in the beauty of creation that surrounds us. We need only to open our eyes and our hearts to see Him.

Friends, as we reflect on this miraculous encounter, let us remember that Jesus is always near, ready to guide us to abundance, invite us into fellowship, and reveal Himself in the most unexpected places. May we cast our nets where He directs, share in the meal He provides, and open our hearts to recognize His presence in our lives.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
March 5, 2024