In today's Gospel we hear that the despondent disciples decide to return to their former profession,  fishing. They went out in the boat and fished for several hours but they caught absolutely nothing. How frustrating!  What  did the disciples talk about while they were together in the boat. Did they talk about Jesus? Did they keep silent? Were they feeling lost and alone? Were they angry at the events that had transpired? These events not only cost Jesus His life, but their own lives also were devastated! They had “given their all” to Jesus. And now He was gone! Now what should they do?
Then at dawn Jesus appears to them. He was standing on the shore, not far from where the disciples were in the boat. The disciples did not recognize Jesus only noticing  a man standing on the shore. This stranger called out and asked the disciples if they had caught any fish. They replied that they had not. This man then told them to cast the net out on the other side of the boat. They did as the man said and were astounded when within a few minutes their nets were brimming over with fish! There were so many fish in the nets that they were worried that the nets would break. 
At that point, John recognized Jesus and he told Peter: “It is the Lord!” Impetuously, Peter jumped into the sea! The rest of the disciples made it to shore as quickly as they could. Imagine how impatient they must have been to get to the shore and also how excited they were to see Jesus. Once again they would be with their friend, teacher and Lord!
When they reached the shore, Jesus had a fire going. Imagine what it would be like to sit around a campfire or a kitchen table with Jesus. What would we  talk with Jesus about? Is there something we would like to ask Him? Or would we simply rejoice at being in His presence?
At times, Jesus appears to us in differing guises. It is not always clear that it is Jesus who is with us. Yet, we may have a sense that this person was sent to us for a purpose, even though we may not know what that purpose is. Jesus comes to us every day! Most often though He does not cook us lunch. However, He will talk with us and nourish us with His word and His body, in the Eucharist and through one another! Today may our minds, hearts and senses be awake and alert to His coming!

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