“Cast the net on the right side of the boat” (John 21:6)
June 11, 2021
In-scripted in the Bible, alike Saint Peter, fish in the land to the Israelis at the Sea of Tiberias. Nevertheless, whilst our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ reigned in the flesh in the land of Israel and gave them authority over their own, they seized to monger fish. They desired to be taught in demeanor of success and superiority.
However, when our Lord Jesus was crucified, they all disperse in fear. Then, Saint John the Evangelist, went to Calvary with Saint Virgin Mary where he stood in front of the cross and affirmed his faithfulness and sincerity before the Lord with sorrow and tears. According to the words of Lord Jesus Christ, He rise on the third day; and on the day of the resurrection, the Holy women were present in His grave even if they didn’t enter. As he was younger, Saint John arrived early than Saint Peter the Elder. Lord Jesus then, revealed Himself on the day of his resurrection and comforted them.
Later, our Lord Jesus reappeared on the following Sunday of His resurrection. But, Holy Apostles were discouraged since their time with the Lord was limited. So, many thoughts came to their mind seeking to know the reason of spirituality since If Lord Jesus was not a king, they would not become superior.
There are many thoughts that often come to mind; so we have to guide ourselves. We need to identify whether our thoughts as are wordily or spiritual. As spiritual men, we need to work hard to become spiritually-minded. And we must do what is good for our bodies, because we cannot live without eating, drinking and clothing; Thus, we must be prepared to do what we need to do.
Holy Apostles are called upon to spiritual life; but, we are called to live both the worldly and spiritual. Alike, there might be brothers and sisters who live spiritual life shun of world’s fiddle. In accordance, self examination is crucial.
Three years after Saint Peter stopped fishing, he decided that he could do nothing but return to his former job. “I’m going to fish,” he said. Peter was the leader of the Apostles, yet, he thought as a failure. Deciding to return to fishing, He returned to pick up what he had left behind. The other disciples agreed with his idea the disciples and said, “We will go with you.” In the evening, Holy Apostles went back to their fishing site at Tiberias and began to spread their nets again. They mended what was broken, but it was not what they are destined for: they left their fortune him behind.
How many of us are aware of leaving our destiny? And how much have we sacrificed for what we believe in? The lives of the apostles are exemplary. They were given the responsibility and authority to lead Israelis from bereavement to life, from ignorance to absolute knowledge and to eternity. Many seek the kingdom of heaven through the net of the gospel. This mission needs to be carried out properly.
When the Holy Apostles reached the sea, they began to set up their net, though, had no fish to monger whilst got up and down the sea at Tiberias at night for it was disobedient to God.
Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to setting an image about ourselves. We also desire unique lifestyle. But, the earth denied its power, for nothing is perfect. Because our Lord Jesus Christ thought us our living is in heaven. Therefore, we must repent and live a Christian life.
Our Lord was among them, as they were desperately trying to catch fishes, but was unaware of His presence. He knew what they were looking for and began to question them. He called out to them, “Children haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So, they cast and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. (John 21:5-6)
The end of all the endeavors of God is good, but vocation without God is in vain. My people let us all cast our net on the right hand, because the right hand is mighty, But the left is weak. The net known to be the right is the ‘Gospel’, first preached in Israel where the Saint Apostles thought in the temple for a year. Those who learned benefited whilst others who hadn’t lost.
Holy Gospel has been preached in the Orthodox Incarnation Church for centuries; and those who heard it benefited; and those who do not hear are always sitting like a lamp. Therefore, we need to hear and learn the gospel properly.
As the Apostles took the fish out of the sea, John looked from afar and said to Saint Peter, “It is our Lord.” Saint Peter was immediately filled with joy. While all the Apostles were sailing to meet him, Saint Peter walked by the sea and reached his master.
Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. Lord Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. It is an example of a hundred fishermen, and three are examples of the Trinity. The net is not torn, For it was the will of our God. (John 21:9-13)
There are many people in our country, Ethiopia, who have been displaced from their homes, exposed to the frost and frost and are in dire straits. We must persevere in order for our God to protect our country, Ethiopia and for all of us to fulfill our chosen mission.
May it be the Holy will of the Lord our God that we may cast our net on the right side.
