At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Gospel Trivia:
There are many interesting phrases and expressions in the gospel which leads to a better understanding of its message:
- Jesus uses "children" to address the apostles - the Greek term used in the original writings is more accurately translated to the word used to address simple people, something like "mga pare". Jesus was addressing the disciples as adults, or as equals.
- Note the accurate count of the fishes caught, 153 - there are many interpretations of the significance of this number. For example, it was known at that time that there are 153 species of fish, thus it suggests that Jesus "fishers of men" would be able to reach and "catch" all of humanity. More importantly, the sheer amount of the catch suggests that the mission of the disciples would succeed.
- Jesus asks that the disciples contribute some of their catch to the breakfast that he is preparing, but note that he does not use any - It suggests that Jesus provides for their needs.
- The net dragged by Peter was not "torn" - again, the Greek work used is more accurately translated to "schism", suggesting that the church of Peter will remain unified.
- Lastly, Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves the Lord. It is reminiscent of his three denials. It is an opportunity for humility, and a realization that Jesus' confidence remains with his disciples despite their weaknesses.
The gospel message speaks of our abilities with God's power. It is not us using the power of God, but the power of God using us.
Reference:
- Nil Guillemette, SJ, Hungry No More (Makati: St. Paul's Publications, 1989), pp.
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