Gospel Thoughts Today: Visible Reminders

The past two days I have been at home watching two of our grandchildren to help our daughter and son-in-law while they still work their jobs full-time (both in essential businesses). Our first day together was action-packed: taking a walk around our neighborhood looking for teddy bears (our small community was looking for fun things for kids/parents to do while staying at home!); swimming for a few hours then pulling out the old Slip-n-Slide (I honestly was pulling it out to toss), soaping it up with baby shampoo, creating another hour of fun. We ordered our grandson's favorite pizza (Mellow Mushroom) for dinner and watched Kung Fu Panda 2. Before the movie was even over, our grandson came over to hug me saying he could barely keep his eyes open! When I suggested an early bedtime (it was about 7pm), he was immediately opposed to the idea, telling me he was fine. After putting them both to bed, Jay and I were feeling so blessed to have the joy of grandchildren. Then it dawned on me . . . these little angels are visible reminders of God's love. While the world is struggling with this virus, it would be easy to let the reality of it all get you down. Jay asked our grandson what the highlight of his day was. His response? "Being with you guys of course, Papa!" Just pure heaven for this Mimi. And, even more important, to look for the blessings no matter how big or small. It may take several attempts to see the beauty, but eventually, it becomes second nature!

Caught this butterfly while we were swimming!

Today's Gospel (John 21:1-14) shows Jesus giving a third reminder to His beloved disciples . . . He is always around:

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

In Anne's book Climbing the Mountain, she beautifully describes it may take multiple attempts to get it right, but give yourself a break and do better next time:

"There is a story about a hole in the road. A child steps into the hole repeatedly until, after many consequences, he learns to walk around the hole, and finally begins taking another street and avoiding it altogether. Well, this is how it is for us at times. Which one of us can say that we have not repeated a mistake? The God we love understands that it can take repeated lessons until we learn. If Jesus accepts us with such readiness, can it be right that we judge ourselves harshly? We are called to emulate Him. He is tolerant of us. Dear apostles, let us accept our humanity and our flaws in the same way that Jesus accepts them."

Lay apostles, the time I spend trying to "get it right" requires steadfastness, consistency, and small investments every day. I used to be so hard on myself when I failed. Now, I try to be as forgiving of myself and others like Jesus. Not easy, but so necessary.

Thank you, Lord, for all the repetitive teaching You provide me. Sorry, it takes a few more reminders at times, but with Your patience and love, the lessons do come to me eventually!

God bless,
Bonnie