It was a dark time for the disciples immediately after Jesus’s death on the cross. Many of his disciples left him wondering what their new life would be when they thought they had lost hope with the death of their teacher, Jesus. Even after Jesus’s resurrection, which brought their hopes up high, in today’s gospel reading, they still wondered what they needed to do in this new life Jesus had brought them.

In this third appearance, Jesus made it clear to them that he was still close to them and would continue to support them with their bodily and spiritual needs. He gave them fish and bread, and they recognized him as the Lord.

This gospel reading reminds us to put away our anxiety over this life’s uncertainty and be joyful about the risen Lord. He will answer our petitions in the Our Father. “Give us this day our daily bread and deliver us from evil. The gospel acclamation said before the gospel also proclaims, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

The first reading shows how the disciples responded to Jesus’s affirmation that he would remain close to them. They spread the word of the Church, which God established on earth through his son Jesus. They were unafraid and doing miracles (“good deeds”) in Jesus’ name. Thousands of new converts would care for earthly needs, and Jesus would feed their spiritual needs through the Eucharist. A new day was indeed dawning to dispel the darkness.

Prayer:

Fill me, Lord. Fill me with the fruits of your spirit, Lord. Fill me with love, so that I seek to understand and appreciate the rich variety and diversity of life that surrounds me. Fill me with joy so that I celebrate your presence in each and every moment I am on this earth…Fill me with these fruits of your spirit, Lord! Amen. (Pray It, from Catholic Youth Bible page 1663)