We have made many mistakes in the composition of the main ministry of the church and those who are received as workers – elders, deacons, youth leaders, etc. The church should operate under the guidance of the One who gave His life to build it, calling each person to specific roles. Thus, we would not see people leaving the work for a better job, for example. The ministry was never a job, but rather a commitment to God.

Jesus chose each of the apostles and the others who would occupy some mission in His Church. The Lord fulfills the requirements for such an election by looking into the person's inner self, without considering physical appearance. All those who learn from Christ begin to do the work as He did in His earthly days. The Most High elects with perfection, and the chosen one, by understanding His call, will strive not to displease Him.

While Christ was not yet ascended to Heaven, He did more than necessary. We can see this when He presented Himself to the disciples: “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” (John 21.5). Then, the Master commanded them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, for there they would find fish. Thus, they could barely pull it out of the water, such was the number of fish. They had never seen anything like it! At that moment, John said: “It is the Lord!” (John 21.7a).

The other disciples approached with another boat to help pull in the net full of fish, and they found a total of 153 large fish. After the resurrection and before returning to the Father, the Son performed miracles and taught people to do the same. Today, we must face the challenges and costs of the work, even knowing that only with the help of Heaven we will cover all the expenses. We must believe and confess with faith in our hearts that the debt

will be paid in full.

They saw only a fish on the grill and a loaf of bread, but what would that be for so many people? However, Jesus proved that He was working and, in the blink of an eye, made the large fish leap into the disciples' net, who had acted according to His Word. The Master has the same power today and, therefore, provides us with the resources we need to fulfill our commitments and prevent His Church from being poorly regarded. He resolves any situation!

The miracle was not only the quantity of fish but also the strength of the net, which remained intact. There were enough embers to roast the freshly caught fish. They didn't mention if there were smaller fish, as what caught their attention was the fact that they fished all night and caught nothing. However, at dawn, the fish that had been there all along were caught. Jesus knows how to do all things!

Jesus chose the apostles to fish for many souls for the Kingdom of God. But, until He authorizes, the lost will remain waiting – until we are prepared. So, when the Lord acts, He Himself will bring the rescued and fill His boat, the Church, with them. Do not fear the devil, for when Christ intervenes, many are saved at once, and no one can explain how they all came to the "net"!

        In Christ, with love,

        R. R. Soares