The Day After Easter

Easter's long day ended with the Second Sunday of Easter and now it's the "day after" Easter, when reflection on the resurrection of Jesus is less intense but still focused on what it means to be "born again." We are born into new life, the risen life with the risen Jesus. Just what that means for each of us depends on how deep we want to go. Do we spend all our time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, cut off from the world, people, obligations and heavy traffic? Or do we somehow try to establish a balance that enables the joy of rebirth to permeate the ordinary tasks that living demands of us. We've got to do laundry, fold it, make beds, make sure there is food on the table, and even find time to eat! Sometimes even that's a challenge!
The Eleven went back to their fishing boats, no doubt perplexed at what the next step would be; at least once Jesus appeared on the shore cooking breakfast for them. How assuring that scene is for us...Jesus knows and provides for our daily needs, even to providing the food we need, not to mention the strength for every step. The Eleven were astounded to see him, but in the course of the meal, the old familiarity came back and they relaxed in his presence. That state of being relaxed in his presence is what we need to find and not lose. He's with us, as he promised, and even in the most menial of tasks. If we fret and "get uptight" it's not his fault. Yesterday we prayed for mercy...today let's pray for serenity: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Bro. Rene