Days after the resurrection of Jesus, we find the disciples returning to their occupation as fishermen. Recall that in the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, He had called them to follow Him instead to share in the work of drawing people into God’s kingdom: to be fishers of men.

Without Jesus physically leading them, there was nothing to do but go back to what they knew best. They were returning to their past. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who were heading in the wrong direction, the disciples of Jesus were facing in the wrong direction; they were heading back to where they had been.

We, too, are often tempted to go back to where we have been, even if it is only in our memories. Yet, the Risen Lord is always calling us forward. Even when we have failed Him in various ways, He continues to call us: to be in communion with Him – especially in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He invites us to begin afresh, and to cast our net in a different direction.

Our relationship with the Lord always has a future that is full of hope. Easter is a season when we are invited to recognize the Lord on the shore of our lives – calling out to us to follow where He is leading us.

Sempre grato,
Father Erick

(For 3rd Sunday of Easter, 2022)