Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.

— John 21:1

If you’re an expert at something and have done it for a long time, it can be difficult to take advice from someone else. In our reading today, though, we find that even though Jesus’ disciples are experienced fishermen, they take advice from a stranger who calls out to them from the shore.

Maybe they go along with this advice because they have been out all night and have caught nothing. Fishing on the Sea of Galilee could be unpredictable, and even experienced fishermen could get stumped. Or maybe this stranger spoke with enough authority to convince them to listen to him. This particular stranger, who was the Lord of heaven and earth, surely had abundant authority (see Matthew 28:18).

Whatever the case, it didn’t take long for the disciples to realize who the stranger was. Their catch of fish was so big that they couldn’t haul it in. And John said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Clearly they remembered a time when this had happened before (see Luke 5:1-11).

Back then, Jesus had called these fishermen to follow him, and they had joined him on an incredible journey. Now Jesus was meeting with them again to renew their call to follow him. And they followed.

Jesus calls us to follow him too. Will you join him again today?

Jesus, help us to say yes to your invitation, and guide us to follow you today and every day, wherever you call us to go. Amen.