The Risen Jesus returned to manifest Himself to His disciples on the Lake of Tiberias, inviting them to go fishing.

The disciples believed and immediately experienced the fruitfulness of gestures made in unity with Christ.

The beloved disciple, the one with the enlarged heart and sharp eyes, before the abundance of the catch, said: «It is the Lord!» (Jn 21:7).

In the time in which he lived, Francis truly revealed himself as "the lesser one" loved by Jesus.

With introspective capacity combined with Grace, he became a fruitful missionary, working wonders with the power of the Risen One, casting the net on the right side.

The Sources narrate a significant episode that occurred at a hermitage near Rieti (Fonte Colombo).

Visited by the doctor for the cure of his eyes, Francis asked his companions to take him to lunch and prepare something good for him.

"'Father,' replied the watchman, 'we tell you with blushes, we are ashamed to invite you, so poor are we at this time.

"Would you like me to repeat it to you?" insisted the saint.

The doctor was present and intervened: "I, dearest brothers, will esteem your penury a delight".

The friars in all haste arrange on the table what is in the pantry: a little bread, not much wine, and to make the meal more sumptuous, the kitchen sends some pulses.

But the Lord's table in the meantime moves to take pity on the servants' table.

There was a knock at the door and they ran to open it: there was a woman carrying a basket full of beautiful bread, fish and shrimp pies, and on top plenty of honey and grapes.

At such a sight, the poor diners sparkled with joy, and putting aside that misery for the next day, they ate of the delicious food.

The moved doctor exclaimed:

"Neither we seculars nor you friars really know the holiness of this man".

And they would certainly have been fully fed, but more than the food had satiated them the miracle.

Thus the loving eye of the Father never despises his own, rather he assists those most in need with most generous provision.

The poor man feeds at a richer table than the king's, as God surpasses man in generosity" (FF 629).

The beloved disciple believed and did things equal to the Master.

Francis, filled with the Spirit of the Risen One, recognised him in the events of life and repeated with deeds:

«It is the Lord!».

Truly, every day he testified to the Presence of the Risen One, who stood by his intimates, teaching them and performing wonders.

Friday between the octave of Easter  (Jn 21:1-14)