Saint Benedict of Nursia understood the value of working together with the Risen Lord. He established a rule for his monastic community that would make them holy and successful in their work. Saint Benedict’s principle of “Ora et labora” required of his monks the constant awareness of God’s presence in daily human work. Prayer brings God in our work to enable us to succeed in our endeavors. Working with the risen Christ who cares for the success of his followers, is more comforting than doing all by oneself. Alone we are likely to fail.
In today’s Gospel story, Jesus joins the apostles at their work and enables them to have an extraordinary catch, one hundred fifty three fishes synonymous to the universal dimension of the mission entrusted to the Church. “Cast the net over the right side of the boat”, Jesus told the Apostles. He intervened in the fishing work of the disciples. “Come have breakfast”, Jesus showed his care and concern to the tired fishermen likewise He feeds us with the Eucharist daily that empowers us to lead a style of life that reflects Jesus’ teaching and example.
The disciples, strengthened by Jesus’ love, are resolved to die for Him. Peter who had denied Jesus during the passion, gets an opportunity to renew his commitment to Jesus. “Do you love me more than these?” “You know that I love you”, Peter responded. To love is to have someone who can die for. And before the Sanhedrin, the disciples affirmed their love and loyalty to God the Father of Jesus; “We must obey God rather than men.” The threats and beating couldn’t break the will of the disciples. Sufferings could not stop the disciples from loving and talking about Jesus.
“They left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name”” (Acts 5: 41). The apostles’ love for Jesus sets a contrast between the Sanhedrin and the Apostles. Members of the Sanhedrin were afraid of men and cared for themselves only; they feared that the people would avenge the death of an innocent man, Christ on them, while the Apostles feared God alone. The Apostles would endure any hardships for the sake of Jesus because Jesus loved them to death.
Through the Gospel, Blessed Benedict learned to be holy before God and successful in the eyes of men and women, by inviting Jesus risen from the dead, in all our human activities. Just as the apostles did, we too will share in the holiness of Jesus and the abundant fruits under his guidance. However, we ought to ponder what answer shall we give to Jesus when he asks each one of us, “Do you love me more than these?”