Surprise!
Surprise, surprise, surprise! How many times have we heard Gomer Pyle USMC say that to Sergeant Carter and the gang? These words came to my mind reflecting on our Gospel of the day. The disciples had to be surprised when the Risen Lord asked for something to eat. They also had to be surprised when the Risen Lord cooked fish for them on the beach for breakfast in John 21:12. What a Rush! Even in yesterday’s Gospel, the disciples on the road to Emmaus had to be surprised when they discovered it was the Risen Lord who explained the scriptures and broke bread with them.
Maybe you can take some time this day to think about how our Risen Lord has surprised you in the events of your own life. One that comes to my mind is when I was a seminarian doing a parish census. I had two teenage boys from the parish do some sorting for me while I was delivering census packets to parishioners. I went away hoping that they would get the job done without too much goofing around. When I came back, I was blown away by the great job they did. I was surprised at how much they got done in a short amount of time. I should have offered them some fish; instead I grabbed anyone I could find from the parish staff to show off their awesome work.
If we pay attention, I think we will notice many pleasant surprises from our God. If things look a little fishy, if could be a blessing to make you mushy! God bless and stay safe!
In Christ,
Fr. Steve Breck
Pastor, St. Mary Magdalene
