The Risen Guide

In the Gospel passage for this Sunday, we see Jesus not only risen, but also continuing to guide his disciples. Yes, the catch of the fish appears to be miraculous, but some say that it was also common practice to have a spotter on the shore who would guide those fishing in order to make them aware of what they are not able to see themselves. Considering this, we can meditate deeper on the fruits of this event. After all that had just transpired in the events of his passion and death, after all that happened to separate Jesus from those whom he loved, Jesus was still close.

He was still close and still providing guidance, a spotter on the shore guiding those who had just worked all night to end up with nothing. Just like Jesus on the shore wasn’t too far from their boat, God is no longer far from man—he’s become one of us to teach us what we can’t teach ourselves, to guide us where we so often get lost, thinking we’re going out to catch something and coming up empty after we’ve worked for so long.

St. Paul writes, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God” (1 Cor 3:19). Human wisdom alone would not give us the incarnation in a manger, living a private life for 30 years, picking an unqualified group of men with whom to establish the Church, loving the outcast and sinners, washing the feet of one’s disciples, laying down one’s life on a cross. And yet, we need this kind of wisdom if we are to become who we are created to be. Thankfully, the Risen One, out of his divine love, is still there on the shore to provide it to us.