This past Sunday, we stayed in that powerful yet confusing space of Eastertide—the in-
between: That place where the resurrection has happened… but everything has not yet
settled; Where Jesus is alive, but life still feels a little uncertain, Christ is present but not
present. Those 50 days in-between Christ’s resurrection and ascension were strange times
for the disciples. Christ appeared over eleven (11) times according to theologians and yet
they seemed to struggle with each appearance.

Especially Peter.

A man who knew what it meant to follow… and knew what it meant to fail.

And in that tension, he did what we tend to do when life feels overwhelming, he goes back
to what he knows. “I’m going fishing.”

But the text tells us something painfully honest about that return: he is casting… and
catching nothing! It is not working like it used too! We have all been there!

Casting energy, casting effort, casting prayers…and still coming up empty.

Trying to do something we used to do – that gave us a sense of comfort or identity and now,
feels meaningless and empty.

In the Gospel of John 21, Jesus meets them not in their success—but in their frustration.
Not after they get it right—but while they are still trying to figure it out.

And what struck me is this:

Before they ever bring Him a fish…

He already has breakfast ready.

Fire burning. Fish cooking. Bread prepared.

Which means the miracle was never about provision—it was about positioning.

Sometimes we think if we just cast harder, aim better, do more… things will finally come
together. But resurrection teaches us something different. There is a shift from casting to catching.

Casting says: I must make this happen.
Catching says: God, I trust what You are already doing.

Casting clenches.
Catching opens.

And somewhere between the empty nets and the breakfast on the beach, Peter learns that
being close to Jesus matters more than getting it right. In fact, being close to Jesus is
all that matters. So, this week, draw closer.

Trust that what God has for you…you do not have to chase.

You just need to be in position to receive! Amen.

Rev. Dr. Ronald Bell, II