FRIDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER: nourished by the Word of God

Posted on April 14, 2023 by franksantucci

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.

John 21: 12-13

In John 21:1-14, the disciples had returned to their normal occupation of fishing and the Risen Jesus appeared to them in the midst their everyday activity. They did not recognize him at first, but it was love that opened their eyes.

St Eugene had always loved the Risen Jesus present in his Word. In 1837, before becoming Bishop of Marseilles, he looked back on 55 years of lovingly listening to the Word of God:

I give you thanks, O Lord, for having made shine forth this light from the sacred deposit of your Holy Scriptures. As you show me the way I should follow, and give me the desire to follow it, you will also give me the powerful help of your grace.

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One Response to FRIDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER: nourished by the Word of God

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Lay Oblate says:
    April 14, 2023 at 13:02

    The disciples were no longer hiding in fear and still they did not immediately recognize Jesus. As with Mary when Jesus spoke, so too the one who Jesus loved recognized Jesus when he spoke. “…it was love that opened their eyes.”

    I find myself looking with wonder at the presence of the Word of God in my life – without realizing it, I shared yesterday how it has become a daily staple for me. This wondrous gift from God also nourishes me, not the same as the Eucharist, but not less than… I am reminded that “man does not live by bread alone” (Mt 4:4) – for when God saw that I could not readily get to Church for daily Eucharist due to health issues the Spirit and friends inspired me to turn to the scriptures of the day.

    Wonder of wonders… the many small and daily miracles of life that God has brought about in my life.

    Lord, as with Eugene, I am filled with gratitude at the way you have set before me to walk, the road that lights my way and yes fills me with the desire to follow it. All this as you continue to feed me, not just with bread but with the grace of your Word. Each small breath becoming a quiet joy and delight.

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