Reflection for Sunday 4th May, 2025

(3rd Sunday of Easter)

Jesus present in his Church (John 21: 1-19)

There is a pattern to the encounters of the Risen Lord with various disciples. They do not recognise the Lord by the ordinary means of sight or sound of voice. But then Jesus says something such as calling Mary Magdalen by name, or he does something such as breaking the bread before the disciples going to Emmaus. The key to interpreting each encounter lies in the action by which the Lord is recognised. Two thousand years later, we do not see the Lord nor hear his voice, but faith recognises his presence.

In today's Gospel the disciples did not recognise the Lord by sight, nor by his voice. But the sight of the huge catch of fish reminded them of a similar miraculous catch at the beginning of Jesus’ mission. Peter felt totally unworthy but Jesus said to him,

“Do not be afraid; from now on it is people you will be catching.” 

"It was light by now." Allow this new light to disperse the mists of doubt.

It was the memory of that miraculous haul which moved the Beloved Disciple to say, “It is the Lord!" Today's story emphasises several aspects of the presence of the Lord in the mission of the Church.

• Without the Lord's direction, human effort brings in empty nets.
• The word of the Lord brings new light and transforms human effort.
• Schism is the Greek word for being torn apart. The nets are untorn, expressing the ideal of unity among all members of the Church.
• The role of Peter is given special emphasis. He is the one appointed to be the chief shepherd of the flock. Pray this week for the guidance of the electors of the next successor of Peter.
• On the shore Jesus was preparing a meal with bread and fish. Bread was obviously a reference to the Blessed Eucharist.

What about the fish? When this Gospel was being written, persecuted Christians had a secret code with the symbol of a fish. The Greek word for fish is IChThUS, the first letters of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. The most likely significance of the number of fish is that 153 was the number of species of fish known at that time. This number indicates the mission of the Church to all nations.

Falling Back

When, like Peter going back to his old job, you may have fallen back into the old ways... or you have laboured under the darkness of night... and the nets come in empty... and your faith faltered. Then you must believe in the resurrection. "It was light by now." Allow this new light to disperse the mists of doubt. The Risen Lord is the one on the shore and his word will direct you. As the Risen Lord said to Doubting Thomas,
“You believe because you can see me.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

Prayer

O Lord, we can relate to the aching muscles and empty nets, the tiredness of frustrating work, the disappointment of labouring in the dark.
You stand on the shore unrecognised, a stranger calling to us. Even when you speak, we do not recognise your voice.
Risen Lord, may the memory of this story strengthen our faith to see that you are always present, even though hidden in the morning mist.
May we hear your word, take it to heart and translate it into action.
May we ever rejoice to accept your invitation to the sacred meal you provide for us.
May we experience the thrill of excitement in recognising your presence.