Easter Friday
Acts 4:1-12
Jn 21:1-14
Jesus showed himself again to his disciples.
Each year, Lent brings challenges but this year, I seemed to be more aware of them, and I called out to God a lot more. These were some of the longest days, and I often questioned if I had what it took to get through them. I often repeated, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own!” And each time, God would strengthen me with a verse, a reminder that He was there and to be patient. That didn’t mean that the challenges miraculously disappeared; it was just a little bit easier to bear, hoping in the Lord.
Now that Lent is over, and we are rejoicing in the resurrection of Christ, I am also quietly reminded that I am like Simon Peter in today’s Gospel reading. My troubles are still with me, but Jesus is appearing to me again as he did during Lent, quietly saying to me, “Do you remember…?”
“Do you remember when you had this worry, but I was here?”
“Do you remember when you didn’t know how to go on, and I gave you what you needed and showed you the way?”
“Do you remember when you were depleted of strength, but I held you up and comforted you?”
When Simon was at sea fishing with the others but caught nothing, this was reminiscent of the first time when Jesus called him (Luke 5:4-11). Jesus had asked them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat and they hauled in a massive catch. Then, realisation dawned on Simon and he knelt down in surrender to the Lord. In today’s Gospel reading, Simon swam back to shore quickly when he realized it was Jesus, but this time, he and the others knew in their hearts that it was Jesus; they did not even have to ask. Their eyes and hearts were open.
In my personal walk with Jesus this year, I feel like Jesus is also gently calling me, “Do you remember… when we first met? When you first realized my presence in your life? Do you remember the challenges we went through together during Lent this year, and every Lent, and I was there with you?”
My challenges are still present; but like Simon, my eyes and heart are open. I know Jesus is with me. I know I can surrender my burdens to Jesus and he will give me the strength to go on and the peace to focus not on my worries, but on God. He will give me rest and sustenance, just as he gave bread and fish to Simon and his companions. I will break my fast with the Lord with the spiritual food that he has provided me. He has travelled with me through the hills and valleys and has never deserted me, and I will remember.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Annette Soo)
Prayer: Lord, our troubles are far from over, but you have given me spiritual food to revive my spirit. My hope is with you and in you Lord. I pray that I will always feel your presence and have your peace.
Thanksgiving: Lord, thank you for walking with me every step of the way; for carrying me when I couldn’t go on, for wiping my tears and comforting me, for listening to my prayers when I cried out in the night. Lord, in the depths of my empty spiritual barrel, you heard me, you filled me, and you gave me rest. Thank you, Lord. May your peace and goodness be with me all the days of my life.
OXYGEN 
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