Reading
John 21:1-14
1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Comment
The epilogue of the Gospel of John, which describes the third apparition of the risen Jesus, is an encouragement to the reader who believed in undertaking the mission of announcing Christ to the world. The episode narrated shows Peter returning to his life as a fisherman. The tragic events of the Passion and the empty tomb, which he witnessed with John, generated doubts and bewilderment in him.
The manifestation of Jesus on the shores of the lake of Tiberias is expressed with the Greek verb phaneroo, which indicates coming to light; it is a real epiphany of the Risen One, which emerges from the darkness of doubt, disappointment, and fear that enveloped the disciples. The night during which the Seven struggle to fish represents a symbolic reminder of the absence of Jesus, the light of the world (Jn 8:12).
The disciples still lack the ability to understand where to cast their nets: it is Jesus who shows them the most suitable place for fishing. Without Jesus who enlightens and guides them, the disciples' effort is destined to remain fruitless. With him, however, everything bears fruit in abundance.
John, the disciple who closely witnessed the passion of Jesus is the one who has the eyes most ready to recognize it; Peter, who immediately throws himself into the water to be able to reach the Lord more quickly, demonstrates that despite his weaknesses his love for him has not died out.
The specification of the number of fish hauled up with nets by the apostles seems intended to reinforce the character of the eyewitness, but it could also have a symbolic value indicating a universal missionary mandate. The whole episode thus symbolizes the success that the apostles will obtain as "fishers of men" (Lk 5:10).
The caring attitude of Jesus, expressed by the nickname of "children" (Gr. Paidia) that he addresses to the disciples is also manifested in the fact that when they reach the shore he already has fish on the fire. He meets the needs of his disciples, reassuring them for their labors. Peter's betrayal was consummated while he warmed himself around the fire in the courtyard of the high priest, now the return to full communion with Jesus is taking place around the fire of a meal prepared by him. Risen Jesus does not need food and yet he chooses to share our daily life to make it alive.
The miraculous catch of fish that takes place in the third encounter with the Risen One shows the power of obedience to the word of Christ. Peter and his companions were experienced fishermen and knew where to cast their nets. But only by following Jesus' advice do they succeed in their intent, beyond all expectations. Only on obedience to the Gospel can make it effected of our apostolic action. If we cast the nets following the word of the Lord our effort will not be in vain and nothing will be lost.
Prayer
May, o Lord, all nations be gathered among the plots of your word of salvation; guide the apostolic action of your Church and bless our efforts for the evangelization. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
