Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. (John 21:13)
Here is Jesus, the Resurrected One, God, serving the disciples bread and fish. Instead of idly sitting on a throne with angels and others serving him, the King of Kings is making a charcoal fire on a beach and feeding his friends. What an example for us!
Jesus goes on to stress to Peter that he should "Feed my lambs; tend my sheep; feed my sheep." With his words and his example, Jesus makes it clear that we are to serve God's people.
Each and every day, we have opportunities to serve others. Some are great acts of service and love, but most are simple. But even in their simplicity, our acts of service and love can have a profound impact on the people around us and, ultimately, our world. Your simple smile has the potential to turn someone's despair into hope, which in turn can impact them to hug someone with whom they previously had an argument, which in turn causes the hugged person's heart to soften and then share some kind words with a neighbor, which brightens their day and... The cycle goes on and on.
Mother Teresa wisely said, "In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." In today's gospel, Jesus shows us that by simply preparing and serving breakfast, Peter's heart was opened to God's love so that he could tend and feed God's sheep, the people of God.
Faith Chat Question: What helps you to know what God wants you to do in your life? For what are you grateful this week?
Household Activity: Sometime this week, make a meal with your family's favorite breakfast food (if mornings are difficult, eat breakfast for dinner.) Involve everyone in the preparations. As you share this meal, imagine that Jesus is eating with your family. Have some fun making up conversations as if Jesus was there and participating in the conversations. What would you say to him, ask him? What might he say to you?
Pray: Risen Jesus, help us to recognize and appreciate the food and family with which you bless us. Amen.

