Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord     John 21 : 12

Readings this week Acts 9 : 1 - 6; Revelation 5 : 11 - end; John 21 : 1 - 19

Thought for this week

After His Resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples out fishing. It is a picture of human need. The disciples have gone back to what they know. Yet they have caught nothing. Maybe in the great story of Easter they are not sure how they fit in now. They are not sure how things have changed.

Yet this is ultimately about God’s love. Jesus speaks one to one with Peter, asking repeatedly, ‘Do you love me?’ Even when the catch of fish is so huge Jesus does not need to comment. The disciples remember this is about the Kingdom bursting the nets. So many filled with the abundant love of God. So many lives changed. The Lord meeting us in our everyday lives.

To make the point, Jesus serves breakfast. This is what His love is. Meeting with us. Sitting with us, amidst wood smoke and sizzling fish. Bread and listening from the one who is the Bread of Life, the source of love and mercy and new beginnings.

Is our view of Easter big enough to embrace our every day? Do we know the love of God that is so immense the nets are almost breaking and the possibilities are overflowing. Jesus is Risen! This is new life for every day and always.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give us such knowledge of his presence with us, that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, Amen

Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen us to proclaim your risen life and fill us with your peace, to the glory of God the Father. Amen

Our Prayers

For those with memories of war or whose lives have been affected by war

For peace in each of the conflicts today, and for the peacemakers

For Governments and leaders