April 29, 2020

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/daily.php?year=A
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The disciples decided to try to get back to what they knew best, fishing. Jesus had been killed and buried. He appeared to them, alive, just as he had said. The days had passed and they were anxious to get on with their lives. Perhaps they needed to feel grounded in something they knew they could do. Many of the disciples were fishermen. They pushed their boats into the water, dropped their nets, but caught no fish. Until a stranger, who was Jesus, told them to try dropping their nets on the other side of the boat. This adjustment of 10 feet or so resulted in a tremendous haul of fish. 

We want to get back to doing what we used to do.  We want to see our families and friends, go to church, and get a donut at Marge’s. Just as everything had changed for the disciples after the resurrection, nothing will be the same for us. We will have to make some adjustments. We will have to throw our nets over the other side of the boat. The future will require us to trust Christ to show us a new way of living. This could get frustrating for us. We are experts in knowing how we live our lives. It could have been frustrating for fishermen to be told a new way to fish. But they adjusted, and they made a miraculous catch. 

And then the disciples ate with Jesus. He had prepared a fire and had fish and bread ready to share. A meal of hospitality, a breakfast of celebration, and an opening to experience the blessing of Christ. This Sunday we will share a meal with Christ and one another. Make some food and set it at your table Sunday morning. Pull up an extra chair. Imagine that is where Jesus and all your friends and family will sit with you. We will take time to give thanks for the one who stands on the shore and encourages us to fish in a new way. 

Tonight is a time to testify. We will connect by Zoom and testify to the love of God and presence of Christ we are experiencing in these days. I will record these testimonies, edit them, and share them in worship Sunday. If you do not have the Zoom info please email me before 4, or send me your own recording by Thursday morning. You can upload audio or video directly to me at www.wesleypark.org/worship. 

Peace,
Dean