April 24, 2014
The Appearance to the Seven Disciples
A reading from the Gospel of Saint John 21, 1 – 14:
After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, the saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.
The big day in Rome is fast approaching. Many people will gather in Saint Peter’s courtyard for the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. I am so happy that these two great popes will be official saints of the Church. Let us ask them the graces we need, the strength we need to do God’s will and to have strong faith like them to be close to Jesus every day.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Come My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters and read about My great appearance at the sea of Galilee. The Apostles had gone fishing the whole night and caught nothing. When they came to shore they found me there but at first they did not recognize Me. When I asked them to bring some fish to shore, they responded that they did not catch any. It was then that I told them to throw the net on the right side of the boat and in no time the net was filled with fish. At this miracle the Apostle John recognized Me and he told Peter that I was the one on the shore. Of course Saint Peter who acted quickly dressed himself and jumped into the water to hurry up to get to Me. The other came to the shore hauling the net while in the boat. With some of that fish they caught at the end, I cooked them breakfast and they all ate and were satisfied. I enjoyed to show My love for My Apostles and that is why I prepared the breakfast for them.
All of you who read this story in the Bible will be strengthened even more that I came again at the seashore to visit the Apostles. Remember I am never far from you although you do not see Me. I live in your heart if you follow Me. I bless you all and I give you all the graces you need.”
Father Melvin