Saturday, September 5, 2026

An Easter morning for the weary and the empty-handed.

Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.
John 21:3–6

You know the particular ache of toiling until your eyes burn and then having nothing to show for it. The hours pass, the ropes grow wet, the net stays empty, and the night seems to have swallowed your effort whole.

At daybreak, the risen Christ stands on the beach while the disciples still do not know him. The boat rocks on the grey water; the empty net lies across the gunwale. He does not begin with counsel or correction. He asks a small, bodily question: "Children, have you anything to eat?" He meets their hunger before he touches their work. Then a single word about the right side, and the net becomes full, so full they cannot draw it in.

Jesus calls these tired fishermen "children," and he calls you the same in the grey hour of your own failed labor. He does not stand at a distance, waiting for you to perform better; he stands beside the work that disappointed you. The risen Christ finds you on the beach of a long empty night. Your identity is not set by the size of the catch; the Father claims you as a child before the net is ever cast.

The risen Christ finds you on the beach of a long empty night.
Prayer

Lord, I release this night of empty work into your hands. You know my hunger and my shame. Speak your word over my tired arms, and teach me to receive the catch only you can give. Amen.