Listen to the Risen Jesus

On this Friday in Easter Week, we hear of a post-resurrection encounter the disciples had with the Risen Jesus:

 

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

 

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

 

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 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. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.  (Jn. 21:1-14).

 

In the wake of Jesus’ crucifixion what do the disciples do? They go fishing! Left to their own devices, they come up empty handed.  Just a sit was when Jesus calls them to be disciples, he invites them to casts their nets in a different direction.  They listen to him, and find an abundant catch. 

 

If you and I listen to the Risen Jesus and follow his instructions to us and go in a different direction, we too will have an abundant catch.

 

Let us pray: Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

Starting Tuesday, 14 April at 11:30 AM, “Lunch and Learn” with UTMB medical professionals regarding hot medical topics for seniors and others: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, COPD and dementia.  This series is in English and Spanish and will continue every Tuesday at the same time for 5 weeks. 

 

Michael Harvey

A Galveston Island Episcopal Event

All are invited

Tuesday, April 28th

7:00 PM

at St. Augustine of Hippo

(1410 41st Street)

 

Michael Harvey will be joining us on the Island all the way from Great Britain. He is the founder of Back to Church Sunday, a day we have dubbed in the Diocese of Texas as Invitation Sunday. Michael has spoken across 17 countries and 5 continents about the power of invitation and ministry to visitors and newcomers. He has written the book, Unlocking the Growth which addresses the power of invitation and the potential for the church. He has recently been inducted into the College of Evangelists and become a Visiting Fellow of St. John’s College of Durham University. His humorous and engaging presentation style challenges the individual to simply invite others to church. He presented and was enthusiastically received at past Warden and Vestry Conferences, other churches and last year’s clergy conference. He is back by the invitation of Bishop Doyle and we are thrilled to have him with us for this Galveston Island Episcopal Event. You are invited. Invite others to come to this great event!

 

Bigmista & Friends BBQ on Saturday, 2 May.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Kristi, Theresa’s granddaughter who was burned, Liz, Angela, and those in the Middle East and Kenya.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550