The most important meal of the day – April 25, 2025
Today’s Readings: Psalm 116:1-8 or 118:19-24; Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14
As a kid, I had this idea that breakfast in bed was the biggest luxury possible. Maybe it was the television shows of the 1980s that planted this seed in my mind. I remember telling my mom and dad to stay in bed so that I could bring them breakfast. We had an olive green metal tray upon which I placed plates of toast (already buttered and jellied), along with orange juice and milk. Around this time, my mom had taught me how to cook an egg in a pyrex cup in the microwave, so that it was cooked sort of like a poached egg…whether one of those made it onto the tray, I cannot recall. I do remember walking into my parents’ room, their dark orange floral curtains still blocking out the morning light. Liquids sloshed, for I traversed up the stairs with the delights. My parents expressed gratitude as I slid the tray upon their bed. I can still see my mom with her hair in curlers (she would hate that I shared that detail), taking a bite of the toast topped with a generous serving of red plum jelly. There was probably a mess left behind on the kitchen counter and perhaps a trail of juice and milk on the stairs, too…but the joy of providing a meal was at the heart of that morning.
In the gospel appointed for today, the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples. It is early in the morning and some of them have been fishing. Jesus calls them, “Come and have breakfast.” He serves them bread and fish. He attends to his friends’ needs, demonstrating his care for them. In the verses that follow, the risen Christ asks Peter three times over, “Do you love me?” Peter assents each time, “You know that I love you.” Jesus responds steadily, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-18)
My friends, Jesus models for us how important it is to start with a solid foundation, so that we can go out and tend to others in need. In the Easter joy that abounds through this celebration of the resurrected Jesus, remember that we must partake of the most important meal of the day. So, with love in your heart, have breakfast! Hear Jesus’ words “Come and have breakfast” as an invitation to the table. Feast on bread and fish, or toast and jelly. Receive the love of God with each bite, so that as you go out to feed God’s sheep, you are prepared to face the heartache and brokenness in our world.
Faithfully,
Katherine+
Reflection and Challenge:
As you enjoy breakfast today or this weekend ahead, reread the gospel from John (21:1-14). Reflect on how Holy Scripture is nourishing you. Pray for those who are hungering for peace. What can you do in your network to share the nurture of Jesus this day?