As we celebrate ANZAC day, Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of John (21: 1-14) which recounts the miraculous catch of fish.

Fr Paul says today’s Gospel passage offers us profound insights into faith, obedience, and the presence of the Risen Lord in our lives.

The disciples, after the death of Jesus, find themselves back in their familiar surroundings, fishing on the Sea of Tiberias. Simon Peter declares, ‘I am going fishing’, and the others decide to join him. They fish all through the night, but they catch nothing. This fruitless night symbolizes the disciples’ confusion and disappointment after the crucifixion. They were uncertain and perhaps felt a sense of hopelessness.

As dawn breaks, Jesus appears on the shore, though the disciples do not immediately recognise him. Jesus asks if they have caught anything and when the response is no, Jesus instructs them to cast their net on the right side of the boat, promising they will find some. Trusting in his word, they obey, and to their astonishment, they are unable to haul in the net because of the enormous quantity of fish. This miraculous catch demonstrates the power of obedience and faith in Jesus.

This passage teaches us that even when we feel lost or discouraged, Jesus is present in our lives. Like the disciples, we may sometimes return to our old ways, seeking comfort in the familiar when faced with uncertainty. However, Jesus calls us to trust in his guidance and to cast our nets where he directs us. When we obey his word, we can experience abundance beyond our expectations.

So let us, therefore, have faith in the lord, obey his teachings, and recognize him in our daily lives. Just as the disciples experienced the miraculous catch after trusting in Jesus, we too can find renewed hope and joy in his presence. May we always be open to his call, ready to cast our nets where he leads us, and willing to share in the communion he offers.

Fr Paul notes, today is also Anzac Day and as we remember the sacrifices of the Anzacs and reflect on the Gospel, let us renew our commitment to recognizing Christ in our lives. Let us honor the memory of those who have fallen by striving for peace and justice in our world and let us pray for the strength to follow Christ’s example of love and service.

Praying for those who have died is, first and foremost, a sign of appreciation for the witness they have left us and the good that they have done. It is giving thanks to the Lord for having given them to us and for their love and their friendship.

Today, especially, Lest we forget.