Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Risen Jesus’ third appearance to his disciples
“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the sea of Tiberias….” (1)
Resurrection narratives help us to find out the presence of risen Christ in every human situation. The first three accounts of resurrection in John’s Gospel depict Jesus’ appearance in different mental conditions of a person. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, when she was sad and was in a condition where she felt that the most precious in her life was lost. Then Jesus appeared to the disciples who were filled with fear and in closed doors. The third mental condition in which Jesus revealed himself was before the doubtful heart of Thomas.
Risen Jesus’ presence in the work place
From the beginning of humanity, God appoints suitable work place for human race. (Genesis 2:15). Even though Jesus appeared to the disciples two times, they weren’t entrusted a specific mission. Mathew Henry describes the situation of disciples, “they knew not well what to do with themselves.” Disciples found themselves better in the workplace rather than sitting idle. From the closed doors of Jerusalem, disciples reached the open space of Galilee. Soon after the resurrection, angel said to the women who were in the tomb that, “then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee, there you will see him.”(Matthew 28:7). Most of the public life of Jesus was in Galilee and all of the remaining 11 apostles were from Galilee. But in this home land of Galilee and in the familiar work place of sea of Tiberias, disciples were facing set back. At this failure, Jesus was present in the sea shore. We have to find out the presence of risen Christ in our familiar ways, in our work stations and even in the midst of failure.
Risen Jesus revealed in the abundance and joy
Christian spirituality is often misunderstood as a way of sorrow. Jesus in his life emphasized feasts over fasts. Jesus fasted only once, but he participated in the feasts many times. John was the most intelligent and quick-sighted disciple. In the abundance of great catch of fish, John finds Jesus. He said, “It is Lord.” Majority of believers are searching for God while they were in bad life situations. But many of us are not ready to accept that the source of our blessings is God. Dawn, abundance of fish, charcoal fire in place, prepared breakfast - all these are positive signs in the life. But we have to admit Jesus as the source of all these positive signs. As the people in Diaspora we are blessed with many things. Do we acknowledge God as the giver of these blessings?
Prayer: Lord, help us to feel your presence in our common walks of like, even in the midst of setbacks and to be grateful for all the blessings you have provided for us. Amen.
Thought for the Day: ‘Jesus’ presence is the best present’
Rev. Joe John, St. James MTC, New York