by Karen Treat
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.” John 21:12-14
I love this image of Jesus.
The breaking of the sun on the shores of the water. The air is light, the sound of the water lapping on the edge of the sands, and the birds are waking with songs of joy. Here stands Jesus asking to have a little breakfast together.
And, the disciples don’t all know for certain it is Jesus. They know Jesus has risen from the dead. He has come to them two times before this meeting. Yet, they are uncertain if they should acknowledge this is really Jesus. My imagination is that it was only a few moments before hugs were exchanged, laughter was heard and memories shared.
When we see this revelation of Christ to his disciples, we see the incarnation of God that comes in the simplest moments in life. It is in a meal with family and friends. It isn’t in the pomp in circumstance they see and feel God. It is in the ordinary.
It is the same for us. God’s invitation comes in our everyday. We can sense Jesus’ invitation to be with us in the meeting of a stranger on the street. In the sharing of a meal with our families after a busy day. God’s invitation to feel God’s presence is known when we hear the sadness breaking a dear friend. In the crying of a newborn. And, it is in those quiet moments of the day as we sit in our favorite chair, sipping our coffee and breathing in the fresh air that pours through our open window.
It is in seeing God’s invitation to be with God in the many moments of our day we receive and give grace upon grace beyond our belief.
May each day bring about a deep awareness of God’s invitation and presence.
