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Friday, June 21, 2013

Recognizing Jesus

Sometimes, before my afternoon prayer, I look at the brief meditations in Macrina Wiederkehr's Abide: Keeping Vigil with the Word of God.  Today I am looking at her reflection on John's Gospel account of Jesus appearing on the shore (John 21: 1_14) with the title "Recognizing the Beloved." She asks us, too, to remember times when we felt we had toiled all night and caught nothing and then Jesus changes the darkness into dawn. What are the moments in our life when we have said, "it is the Lord?"  Listen to Jesus asking us if we have caught anything to eat - what is nourishing us spiritually?
Macrina concludes with a short poem:

O Risen Christ,
When I search for you in the darkness
Show me the light of your face.

When my darkness is too heavy
Send me the dawn.

When I am dejected because of your absence
Remind me to share my presence with someone.

When I am dejected because of your absence
Remind me to share my presence with someone.

When I am hungry for nourishment
Invite me to breakfast. 

when I cast my nets on the wrong side of life
Come to my assistance.

When I do not recognize you
Call me by name.

I remember a time in retreat as a young nun when I actually heard the words, "It is I, do not be afraid." I am still filled with gratitude when I recall this grace! I think it would be good for all of us to reflect on the times Jesus has been waiting on the shore to catch our attention; for the times we have recognized Him; for the times He has prepared nourishment for us.
Today is officially the first day of summer! Am I planning my summer with Jesus?

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