Opening Hymn       ‘Hear I Am Lord’    or any other appropriate song on discipleship.

Reflecting on the scriptures of the Easter season, St. Ignatius encourages us to consider how Jesus acts towards his followers, consoling them just as one friend consoles another. The disciples had just been through the worst experience of their lives. Their leader and their friend, in whom they had put all their hope, had been unjustly convicted and cruelly put to death. Their hopes and dreams were shattered. They were confused and afraid. The Risen Jesus comes among them and says, "Peace be with you." Their faith was not in vain. Their friend is alive. His consoling presence brings new hope to each one of them.

With us, just as with them, the Risen Christ disregards our failings, our weakness, our lack of faith. He does not accuse, he does not criticize. He gently offers consolation, encouragement and love.

Scripture John 21:1-14

After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe'rias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan'ael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb'edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 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 as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on 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, for the quantity of 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 his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang 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, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 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 and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

            O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

            his steadfast love endures for ever!

Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
Let the house of Aaron say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."

            Let those who fear the LORD say, "His steadfast love endures for ever."
            The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

            Save us, we beseech thee, O LORD! O LORD,

            we beseech thee, give us success!

Blessed be he who enters in the name of the LORD!

We bless you from the house of the LORD.

            The LORD is God, and he has given us light.

            Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar!

Glory to You ...

Let us pray for all those who minister in proclaiming the Gospel.

You told your disciples to cast their nets once more into a lifeless sea, hearten all servants of the Gospel who have grown weary, R/

You cooked a meal for your disciples besides the sea of Galilee, nourish and sustain all servants of the Gospel ... R/

You yourself are the word you sent your disciples to preach, enrich in prayer all disciples that they may feed your people with the word of life, R/

O Lord, through our Easter celebrations, renew our zeal to speak and live the Gospel, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing Hymn     ‘The Galilee Song’    or other appropriate song on discipleship.

Br. Nick Morris (Rome)