We can do nothing without Christ

Pic is from http://www.dualravens.com/spirituality/stations/oftheresurrection/stationeight/

I have a background steeped in HolyScripture, since I was raised Southern Baptist.  However, several years ago, it was an addict I was counseling (I was a substance abuse counselor) who taught me about the time Jesus was on earth between the resurrection and the ascension, 40 days.  I was unaware of this info.  One of my newer, favorite bible passages was in the readings on April 9th, occurring during this 40 day period.  I'll reprint it here, from John 21, because I love it so:

"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,

they 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."

Here are a couple of reflections on this passage from two marvelous blogging priests (you'll have to scroll down: to April 9th, 2010 on each blog):

http://frjohnl.blogspot.com/

http://lordifyouwilldaily.blogspot.com/

The second priest also has a Sunday site:

http://lordifyouwill.blogspot.com/

I've recently been listed on Catholic Blog Directory: http://catholicblogs.blogspot.com/ and you can find a lot of great blogs by priests and religious, as well as your regular old laity, like myself.  There are many priests who comment on the trials our Holy Father is enduring and can help to untangle the erroneous information out there.  There is also a novena going on right now for Pope Benedict that will end on the 2nd Sunday of Easter, the 5 year anniversary of our Holy Father. 

I guess what I love most about the "breakfast by the Sea" passage is that even our first pope, Peter, could do nothing without Jesus.  Here are the disciples, utterly flabergasted by the recent crucifixion, led by Peter to keep on, keeping on with no results.  Then Jesus tells them to cast the net on the other side and they catch a haul like no other, to prefigure the haul of human souls that will be converted in the near future.  And, Jesus gives them every gift they need to make it happen - unity to bring in the net, a leader in Peter, and spiritual food in the Eucharist.  Fantastic!

Alleluia! He is risen!

Peace!