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Gospel Reading for April 10, 2026 – John 21: 1-14
BEGINNING
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.
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They went back to what they once were before Jesus called them—fishermen. Perhaps it had not yet dawned on them that this was only the beginning of a great mission: to become fishers of men for God, just as Jesus said when he first called Peter: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people” (Matthew 4:19).
Jesus did not leave them to figure everything out on their own after his resurrection. He showed them the direction they were to take once he had gone. Their mission did not end with the Resurrection—it was only the BEGINNING. And it began with promise, symbolized by the great catch of fish, with the net untorn.
Today, about one-third of the world’s population is Christian, and the number continues to grow. We can help bring more people to Christ by living as true Christians. Such a life inspires others, because deep within every human heart is the desire to become who God created them to be.
Lord Jesus, may we never return to our old ways, but continue to grow as your faithful followers!
