Introduction
In today's reflection, I would like to explore some profound insights from John's Gospel, specifically chapter 21, verse 12. This passage offers a narrative where Jesus invites His disciples to "come and have breakfast." The disciples did not question His identity, as they already knew it was the Lord. This simple gesture of sharing breakfast holds deeper meanings about obedience, recognition, and the transformative power of faith.
Reflecting on Cast the Net Initiative
Since late 2022, the Diocese of Toronto has been engaging with this passage through an initiative called "Cast the Net." This listening and visioning process has led to the formation of 20 aspirational and challenging calls, aiming to discern where God is leading us. Each congregation is encouraged to focus on two or three of these calls, specific to their community context.
Obedience and the Risen Lord
This initiative underscores our obedience to the risen Lord. It's about moving beyond our preconceived notions of how God should work. God's call often involves doing an old thing but in a new way, much like He instructed the disciples to cast their nets to the other side of the boat. The Risen Christ, whom we celebrate during Easter, is proclaimed as Lord of all creation. He continues to cross our implicit boundaries and challenges us to see His hand at work in unexpected ways.
Obedience Precedes Recognition
One of the central themes throughout scripture is the connection between obedience and recognition. The disciples' inability to initially recognize Jesus on the shore until they obeyed His command illustrates this pattern. Likewise, the story of Ananias in the Acts of the Apostles demonstrates how obedience can lead to new spiritual insight and sight.
Love and Obedience in Action
Jesus' interaction with Peter emphasizes that love for God cannot be separated from participation in His ongoing work. True love manifests in habitual obedience, even in unfavorable circumstances. Easter teaches us about recognizing God at work in our midst—not through physical sight but through spiritual understanding that comes from following Christ.
Conclusion
The written word of God becomes authoritative in our lives to the extent that the risen Word has claimed us. As we delve deeper into understanding our relationship with God, I invite you to reflect on how obedience and recognition play out in your own spiritual journey. Together, let us embrace the opportunities to see God at work, trusting and obeying His call with renewed vision and purpose. Amen.