The Generosity of the Risen Lord in revealing Himself to the Disciples

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : First Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Jn 21:1-14*

*First Reading : Acts 4:1-12*

*The Generosity of the Risen Lord in revealing Himself to the Disciples*

*1) Jesus appears for the Third Time*

The whole episode of the Gospel speaks about the appearance of Jesus to His disciples

The important point to note here would be that the appearance of Jesus to his disciples - Third time 

Before this appearance Jesus has already appeared them for two times 

*2) Why Jesus appeared for the Third Time*

The simple reason would be, the disciples were not yet sure of the resurrection of Jesus 

When Jesus appeared for the first time they doubted 

When Jesus appeared for the second time they doubted 

When Jesus appeared for the third time, still they were not able to recognize Jesus 

So to convince to his disciples about the fact of resurrection Jesus appeared for the Third time 

*3)The Generosity of the Risen Lord*

Even though the disciples failed to recognize the Risen Lord, He did not blame them 

Instead of blaming, he showed Himself three times to his disciples, so that they could understand the real fact and they may believe in Him 

Here we see the generosity, goodness and patience of the Risen Lord, in showing Himself to his disciples

He tolerated their disbelief and was trying to take away this disbelief by showing himself many more times to his disciples

*4) 3 is a perfect Number*

We see that Jesus appeared three times to His disciples

Three is a perfect number according to bible numerology

That's why we have *three times Holy* and also other spiritual things 

So with the Third appearance, the disciples are convinced about the resurrection of Jesus 

*5) Jesus is also generous and patient towards me*

The same Risen Lord is generous and patient towards me 

Many times we also fail to recognize the Risen Lord in others and also in many situations

Yet Jesus doesn't condemn us, he does not find fault with us. But He is very generous towards us by giving many more chances to recognize Him in diffent people 

*6) My efforts to recognize the Risen Lord*

It is true that Jesus is very generous towards us. But this generosity also demands that we make sincere efforts to recognize him in others 

So, the question is what are my sincere efforts to recognize the Risen Lord, in and around me??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*