3rd Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:27-32,40-41
Apo 5:11-14
Jn 21:1-14
“Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
Today’s gospel passage brought me back to a retreat I attended in Cebu, Philippines towards the end of 2023. It was a 5-day silent retreat and we were each assigned to a spiritual director, who would meet with us for an hour every day and give a verse to reflect on. I recall that I was going through a difficult time and the retreat was a welcome getaway for me.
Aside from the time alone with God, there was mass held every morning, just after sunrise. One morning during mass, I caught a faint whiff of fish being cooked. I thought that it might have come from one of the villages around the retreat centre (the kitchen was at another end). Strangely, the aroma lasted a few seconds and did not linger.
When I shared this with my SD later in the afternoon, he smiled and said, “Jesus is affirming his friendship with you.” Indeed, just like the apostles on the boat, I had doubted His presence in my life because of the challenges I was then facing – I was pleading, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Fast forward to now and, by the grace of God, I managed to weather all the storms that came and have emerged stronger (not necessary wiser), and wizened by those who He had put in my path and the various retreats and vigils that I have been privileged to serve in as a worship leader. I am certainly in a much better place to help Him ‘catch more fish’ and am blessed to be able to just spend quality time with Him in adoration.
Brothers and sisters, we never know how, as Christians, we are actually ‘role models’ (both good and bad) to those around us. As children of God, we are made in his image and destined to rise on the last day and enjoy eternal life in His kingdom. It is a responsibility that most of us feel comes with certain restrictions – abstain from meat, obey the commandments, attend mass on Sundays – but it is also a blessing that allows us to live freely, joyfully and boldly, knowing that He watches over us and is there with us in our good times and, especially in our bad times.
Over the past few months, I have made a conscious effort to make sure I take a leap into the waters, just as the disciples did, when I am given an opportunity to celebrate life and to celebrate Him. Of course, nothing comes easy and there are always going to be people and situations that end up frustrating us and, at worst, even committing sin. But if we remain focussed on God, I know that in the end, we will get to taste the grilled fish that He lovingly prepares for us…each and every day.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you cannot be outdone in your generosity, mercy and love. Continue to keep us in your thoughts and plans so that we can always enjoy your bounty.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Abba Father, for your unfailing love for us. And for nourishing us daily.
OXYGEN 
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