April 10, 2026 // Friday in the Octave of Easter

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 21:1-14 

Familiarity. In the middle of big moves, new plans, or scary situations, I have always found comfort in things that are familiar to me: the sound of church bells, my mother’s cooking, throwback worship songs from the early 2000s, etc. In the tension and uncertainty of what had just happened—the dying and rising of Jesus—Peter and some of the Apostles went back to what was familiar to them: fishing (see John 21:3).  

The events that unfolded were truly familiar: they caught nothing all night (see John 21:3); Jesus instructed them to cast the net on the other side and they were then overwhelmed by the catch (see John 21:6). Lastly, they recognized Him as “Lord” (John 21:7). These four moments can be compared to the first call of Peter, Andrew, James, and John by Jesus to become fishers of men (see Luke 5:1-11). 

Then we realize a difference: In the first encounter, the nets began to tear (see Luke 5:6). But after the Resurrection, during this encounter on a very familiar sea, with the same band of friends and probably a boat and net similar to their old ones, something different happened: “the net was not torn” (John 21:11). There’s a sense of completion, of fullness. This time for Peter and the others, the encounter was different. This time, it clicked. They were filled with a certainty that had escaped them before. Now, on those shores by the charcoal fire, no one had to question anything; they knew it was the Lord (see John 21:12). 

This encounter with the living God—with Jesus Christ Who was dead and was now alive again in their midst—emboldened them to go out in faith and preach and heal in His name after His Ascension. 

Sister, in difficult seasons may we go running to what is familiar: to our first encounter with the Lord.  When we encounter Him alive in our lives, we will be filled little by little (or all at once!) with the boldness of the Apostles. Their net didn’t tear and neither will ours. 

Relate to the Lord // Recall your first encounter with the Lord. Describe it, savor it, remember Who He is.