Today’s Gospel story from John 21 is one of my favorite resurrection stories.  As I heard myself saying that earlier today, I stopped and began to wonder why.  I didn’t have an immediate answer and so that is what I took to prayer.  What emerged was the sense of community and Christ’s presence in everyday life.

I often offer this scripture passage to retreatants at the end of a retreat.  Among other invitations, I invite them to imagine the scene and who might be joining them around the fire for this breakfast on the beach.  It strikes me that whether Peter was feeling lost or distraught or maybe he had just decided to go back to work, whatever the reason for the fishing expedition, his friends were with him.  They were gathered in community and Christ in turn, gathers the community around the fire for a meal.  We need one another as we journey through life. Whether it is just another routine day or one filled with struggle or joy.  We need one another. Who has been gifted to us to be in community with us?  Who is sitting around the fire with us?

Additionally, I love how this story brings out Christ’s presence with us, even when we may not be expecting him or be sure that it is him.  Peter and his friends were just out fishing, doing what they do.  And, look, there is Jesus!  It is a good reminder to me that if I can be attentive and reflective, I will be gifted with how Christ is present to me throughout each day, in each moment. Christ isn’t just around when I am praying, at liturgy or reading scripture.  Christ is in each moment of my day.   And, a reminder also to be present to all of creation and to every person because Christ is incarnate within.  This in turn brought me to a place of awe and gratitude for how the Divine is continually reaching out and inviting us into deeper relationship with one another and Christ.

How and where are we being invited to recognize Christ in our midst?