Daily Bread May 05

Put Love into Action
Larry McGuire, president of seventy


Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. -John 21:12-14

I have childhood memories of long snowmobile rides on New Year’s Day. Our family would bundle up, pack a noon meal, check the snowmobiles, and off we’d go. As a kid, I had no idea where we were going. Usually I was riding on the back of the snowmobile, taking in the beautiful scenes through the woods of Northeast Michigan.

At some point, my dad or my uncle would spot a place where we could pull off, build a fire, and enjoy some lunch. We’d clear the snow away, gather dry wood, and build a fire. Then we’d enjoy the fire’s warmth in the midst of the open trail on a cold, windy, winter day. The next task was to find sticks on which to roast hot dogs over the fire and enjoy a chocolate bar and a marshmallow, squeezed between graham crackers for a gooey treat!

I am reminded of that childhood memory when I reflect on John 21:1-19. The disciples are enjoying another day on the water, probably doing what they did every day. On the shore, Jesus builds a fire and begins to cook breakfast. The disciples in the boat don’t recognize Jesus, but they do as he asked. They cast their nets to the right side of the boat, and the catch is amazing! In this experience, they recognize Jesus and return to the shore for breakfast.

As a family, we gathered around a fire to enjoy a meal and celebrate what we had experienced on the trails: wildlife, beauty of creation, time to be together as family. In our scripture, we find the familiar waters, a great catch, a breakfast of fish and bread, and the recognition that Jesus is there. They, too, celebrated as a family, brought together around the fire of Christ’s love.

Prayer Phrase

“The glory of God is the human person fully alive” (St. Irenaeus).

Spiritual Practice

Fully Alive

Enter a time of prayer and hold St. Irenaeus’ quote in your heart. How do your mind, body, heart, and soul work together for your aliveness in God each day? What does it mean in your life and ministry that God desires for each of us to be fully alive?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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