Jesus Is with Us—To Nourish Us for Our Mission

Guide: Feed My Sheep

Our final scene we contemplate in the Gospels prepares us for the end of this retreat. It’s after the Resurrection. Peter says, “I’m going fishing.” He doesn’t know what to do with the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us could end this retreat and say, “I’m going back to whatever I was before.”

This is a scene of recalling. When Jesus asks them if they have caught anything, and then shows them their ability to haul in an enormous catch, with his power, they recognize him, as they hear their call again. This week, we can let our experiences of prayer—even in the background times—renew the call we have received in this retreat. The Lord, who is alive and with us in our everyday lives after this retreat, is the same Lord who has shown us such power in our lives these past months.

He is there with them—preparing food for them but inviting them to bring what they have received through his power. Haven’t we experienced in this retreat that his nourishing presence is most effective when we have accepted his invitation to bring what we have been receiving to the table? Haven’t we discovered that it’s all gift, but that it is not received by passive waiting? Hasn’t it taken some work and discipline on our part to bring previous gifts to the experience, in order to receive even more?

Jesus asks Peter about the degree of his love? How much? We see that the one who denied him three times is able to say that his love is three times stronger for that. And Jesus is then able to make the connection to mission—if you love me, then be with me in feeding my sheep. Aren’t these the movements we have experienced in this retreat? Now, our joy with Jesus becomes fruitful. We are sent by the love we have for him. Having grown in love for him, we have grown in love for his mission.

Use the resources this week to enter more deeply into this week. Throughout the week, the dynamics of this scene can fill our consciousness with joy, gratitude, and growing freedom to give ourselves to nourish others.

Consider sharing the graces you have received
this week with others making the retreat.

Listen to each week of the Online Retreat
on a CD or on your mp3 player.