John 21: 01-14 — Third Sunday of Easter, Year C John 21: 01-14 — Votive Mass: Holy Eucharist John 21: 15-17 — Sacrament of Ordination #12 John 21: 15-17 — Mass for Priests
A. TEXT
Jesus Reveals himself
1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri–as; and he revealed himself in this way.
Apostles go Fishing
2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a–el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.
Jesus’ Fishing Instructions
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish.
“It is the Lord”
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
Meal with Jesus
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty–three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Simon Peter Commissioned
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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.
Peter’s Martyrdom Prophesied
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Implied Death of Beloved Disciple
20 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 23 The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
Conclusion to Gospel
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
B. EXPLANATION
1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri–as; and he revealed himself in this way.
“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri–as; and he revealed himself in this way” — The Sea of Galilee, the Lake of Genneseret and the Sea of Tiberias are three names for the same stretch of water. Herod Antipas founded a city called Tiberias after the emperor and subsequently the Sea of Galilee was often called the Sea of Tiberias (Jn. 6: 1).
2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a–el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.
“Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a–el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together” — Only seven disciples are mentioned, five being named. Thomas has already been referred to as “the Twin” (Jn. 20: 24).
“Nathaniel” does not appear in any list of apostles. He is sometimes identified as Bartholomew or Matthias in early writings. He was one of the first disciples (Jn. 1: 45–50).
James and John were the two “sons of Zebedee”. Why the “two others” are not named is not explained. One was the Beloved Disciple if he was not John, son of Zebedee (see verse 7).
“Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing” — Simon Peter appears as the leader and the others are willing to follow him.
The fishermen have returned to their calling of catching fish and they were not successful. Fishing was done mostly at night.
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish.
“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus” — The opening words of this verse imply the resurrection: “just as day was breaking”.
The disciples may not have looked too carefully at the stranger on the shore or they may have been impeded by the lingering darkness. It is strange that they did not recognise “the Lord” as this was his third appearance to them (Jn. 21:14). The other two appearances were recorded in Jn. 20: 1–19.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Children’” — The author of this chapter is a disciple of the beloved disciple. Followers of his referred to themselves as “children”.
“have you any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some’ — The “right side of the boat” was regarded as the lucky side. In addition, there was always the possibility of a person on shore seeing a school of fish that those in the boat might not see.
“So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish” — Unexpected and unnaturally large quantities of various items are frequently referred to in John’ Gospel (Jn. 2: 6 [wine]; 3: 34 [Spirit]; 4: 14 [water]; 6: 11 [loaves]; 7: 37+ [water]; 10: 10 [life]).
The abundance of fish here is so great that the disciples cannot haul them into but had to drag them after the boat (v. 8).
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
“That disciple whom Jesus loved” — For the “disciple whom Jesus loved” see Jn. 1: 35–42; 13: 23; 18: 25; 19: 26; 20: 2; 21: 20.
“said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’” — For the second time the Beloved Disciple is the first to perceive the Lord (Jn. 20: 8). He may have come to this conclusion because of the sign or miracle of the catch of fish. It is unlikely that he recognised his voice like Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20: 16) as there would have been a time lapse between hearing the voice and catching the fish.
He informs Peter because Peter was their appointed head.
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea” — The Jewish people had a very strict dress code and Simon Peter would not appear before the Lord without proper attire. When “he sprang into the sea” the water was shallow; otherwise he would have soaked his clothing and defeated the purpose of dressing properly.
This scene gives us the distinctive roles of the beloved disciple and Peter. The former is the first to perceive the Lord; Peter is the first to act on this information.
“But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off” — The Greek reads “two hundred cubits”.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty–three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there” — The “charcoal fire” recalls two occurrences in the Bible. First, it reminds the readers of the charcoal fire in the courtyard where Simon Peter denied he knew Jesus (Jn. 18: 18). Now he will affirm his love by another charcoal fire which connects the two assertions.
Second it recalls Isaiah 6: 1–8 which tells of the call of the prophet who saw the Lord sitting on his throne in the sanctuary. He acknowledged his sinfulness (As did Peter in Lk. 5: 1–11). The angel touched Isaiah’s lips and purified them with a burning coal from the fire before the altar. The word for ‘burning coal’ or charcoal was used for the Eucharist in the early Church.
“with fish lying on it, and bread” — “Christ prepares the fish laid over the coals, which is Christ himself: for the cooking fish outspread over the hot coals is the suffering Christ who is spread over the hot coals when because of the fire of his love for us he is immolated on the cross.” (St. Thomas, Commentary on Luke 21, 2599).
The verse does not say that the “bread” was being fried.
This is a clear reminder of the multiplication of the loaves and fish (Jn. 6: 9) and of the Eucharist.
This scene shows that Jesus can feed his disciples without their help. This contrasts with the disciples who could not catch fish without his help.
“Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught” — The meal is already prepared and there was no need for more fish. According to St. Thomas “the ministers of the Church should also bring something to this meal; but whatever it is, it has come from God”. Later he explains, “our Lord asks us to ‘bring the fish’,bring your good works, which have been granted to you to accomplish”.
“So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore” — The primacy of Peter is asserted. It had already been promised (Jn. 1: 42). It would not be confirmed until after the resurrection (Jn. 21: 15–17).
“full of large fish, a hundred and fifty–three of them” — There are many theories about the meaning of the number 153 but nothing is definite. What is clear is that it is a symbol of a great number of people the disciples will ‘catch’ when they obey Jesus in being “fishers of men”.
“and although there were so many, the net was not torn” — In Luke’s account of the very large catch of fish, there are several nets and they were tearing with the number of fish (Lk. 5: 4. 5. 6). Here there is but a single net and it does not tear. This “net” symbolises the Church which does not come apart but is strong in unity which is brought about by Jesus, (mixing metaphors) the Shepherd of the “one flock” (Jn. 10: 16).
Ezekiel the prophet writes of the abundance of water that will flow from the Temple and the large variety of fish that will be caught by the fishermen, “Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east … Wherever the river goes, there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. People will stand fishing beside the sea from En–gedi to En–eglaim; it will be a place for the spreading of nets; its fish will be of a great many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea”. (Ezek 47: 1–10). There are obvious references to Jesus the Temple, the profusion of water that flowed from his side, the fishermen and the “great many kinds of fish”.
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast” — The Risen Lord invites the disciples to his heavenly banquet, the Eucharist.
Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord” — There was no need to ask him when it was obvious who he was from the catch of fish and being close to him in the better light. During his life his divinity had been hidden, but not now. They needed a sign which they recognise as pointing to something greater, the risen Jesus. They were developing in faith: “It was the Lord”.
“Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish” — He is recognised at a meal, the Eucharist. As our faith develops it is here that we too will recognise him.
“This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead” — The other two times when Jesus appeared to the disciples were in the Upper Room (Jn. 20: 19–31).
“If we consider the order and purpose of these appearances, it is evident that the first showed Christ’s divine authority by his breathing the Holy Spirit upon them; the second showed that he was the same person as before, since he let them view his wounds; and the third showed the reality of his risen human nature, for he ate with them.” (St. Thomas, Commentary on John 21, 2569).
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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.
“When they had finished breakfast” — The meal, symbolising the Eucharist (loaves and fish) is now complete.
“Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John” — Jesus addresses him by his original name, “Simon, on of John” his family name used before Jesus had given him the title “Peter” meaning “Rock”.
“Do you love me more than these? He [Peter] said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’” — Simon Peter had been most confident in his own powers and according to Mark (14: 28) said “Even if all lose faith, I will not”. John recorded him as saying, “I will lay down my life for you”. (Jn. 13: 37). Now he is humbled and does not boast but asserts that he does love Jesus. He does not use the word Jesus used, ‘agape’ meaning Christian love, but the word for friendship, for “caring”.
“He [Jesus] said to him, ‘Feed my lambs’” — Jesus states that “the lambs” belong to him: “my lambs”. Later he will say “my sheep”. While he is giving responsibility to Peter for the flock he is not giving him the flock; the flock remains Jesus’.
“A second time he said to him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep’” — Once again the two words for “love” are different, Jesus using “agape” and Simon using “caring”.
To tend the sheep includes providing all that they need, more than mere feeding or pasturing. It includes leading the sheep to safety in their compound at night, defending the sheep from thieves and wolves, seeking the stray and lost, keeping the unity of the flock
“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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” — Jesus does not use the word “agape” for love in this third question but he uses the word Simon had used and asks ‘Do you really care for me’. The author attributes this reply to “Peter”, not “Simon”.
Jesus looks for a three–fold profession of love from Simon Peter to correspond to the three–fold denial that Peter ever knew him when approached by the people in the courtyard of the trial (Jn. 18: 17, 25–27).
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”
“Truly, truly, I say to you” — This is a solemn introduction to a very important statement.
“when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go’” — This was a Jewish proverb.
“(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” — Peter had offered to go to prison and death with Jesus (Jn. 13: 36–38). That is now confirmed. “After this” prophecy of his manner of death, Peter is to follow Jesus the Shepherd in everything, even his violent death (Jn. 10: 11). Peter was crucified in 64 A.D., decades before this Gospel was written towards the end of the first century, if not a decade prior to that, certainly not afterwards.
It is only now at the end of this Gospel that Jesus invites Peter to follow him. Other evangelists report the call at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. The author has Simon Peter’s call postponed because Peter had not fully understood the implications. He was inclined to be impetuous, hasty, rush into decisions and he trusted in himself too much.
C. APPLICATION
Introduction: John’s Gospel ended with Chapter 20 and this additional chapter, frequently referred to as an Appendix, was written by one or more of his disciples. That is a technical point but there is no doubt that no matter who wrote the chapter it is an official part of the inspired word of God accepted by all Christian groups.
Jesus As is customary in this section, our first reflection and application is about Jesus.
(i) In the opening scene we see the disciples worn out after a night’s unsuccessful fishing; they caught nothing. They are tired, hungry and, no doubt, disappointed or depressed. They were probably not thinking of Jesus, just themselves. He finds them and does two things to boost their morale. He tells them where to catch a huge shoal of fish. He invites them to breakfast which he has prepared. In both matters he shows his personal concern for them.
(ii) He holds a quiet talk with Peter. He does not rebuke, tell him off or demand an apology for his triple denials. He does not even mention them. He makes it possible for Peter to affirm his love and loyalty. And he confirms him as “Peter”, the Rock on which he builds his Church. An example of even more consideration for Peter.
(iii) Finally, he commissions Peter to take up the Lord’s own work as one who tends the sheep (see John 10 on the Good Shepherd). Peter, fed by Jesus on the shore, is told to “feed my sheep.” Jesus shows his love and care for succeeding generations of disciples (us!) in providing for their care.
Peter The focus in today’s Gospel Reading is on Peter who is central to each of the six scenes of the chapter: the fishing scene, the breakfast scene, the reconciliation scene, the installation scene, the prophecy of martyrdom scene and the instruction to follow Jesus. He is shown as the primary witness of the resurrection, a missionary, the shepherd of the flock, a martyr and in relationship to the Beloved Disciple to whom Jesus had committed his mother (See 19: 26–27)
The primacy was given to Peter directly and immediately. So the Church has always understood — and so Vatican I defined: “We therefore teach and declare that, according to the testimony of the Gospel, the primacy of jurisdiction over the universal Church of God was immediately and directly promised and given to Blessed Peter the Apostle by Christ our Lord. … And it was upon Simon Peter alone that Jesus after His resurrection bestowed the jurisdiction of chief pastor and ruler over all His fold in the words: “Feed My lambs; feed My sheep” (Vatican Council I, “Pastor Aeternus”, Chapter 1).
The primacy is a grace conferred on Peter and his successors, the popes; it is one of the basic elements in the Church, designed to guard and protect its unity: “In order that the episcopate also might be one and undivided, and that […] the multitude of the faithful might be kept secure in the oneness of faith and communion, He set Blessed Peter over the rest of the Apostles, and fixed in him the abiding principle of this twofold unity, and its visible foundation” (“Pastor Aeternus”; cf. Vatican II, “Lumen Gentium”, 18).
Therefore, the primacy of Peter is perpetuated in each of his successors: this is something which Christ disposed; it is not based on human legislation or custom.
When Jesus instructed Simon Peter to feed his lambs and tend his sheep (Jn. 21: 15-17) he passed to Peter his own role of shepherd (Jn, 10: 1–28). Simon was not chosen to be “Peter” because of his special merits or because he was strong or the best qualified. Jesus chose a man whose qualifications were listed throughout the Gospels as weak. I am sure that no present–day board of directors would appoint a Chief Executive Officer to head a large corporation if he had qualities such as Simon had! “Peter” must always remember that the flock is not “his flock” but the flock of Jesus. Peter’s duty is to know the mind of Jesus. His main qualification in the eyes of Jesus is that he loves him. This is what we must expect from “Peter”.
Simon was called to be “Peter”. He failed. He repented and was reconciled. He was re–called. His love was tested and he was given the promise of dying like the Lamb led to the slaughter. Now he knows that he must trust the Shepherd who will nourish him and protect him, even in death.
Commentary on 3rd Sunday of Easter 14.04.2013
JOHN 21: 01–19
John 21: 01-14 — Third Sunday of Easter, Year C
John 21: 01-14 — Votive Mass: Holy Eucharist
John 21: 15-17 — Sacrament of Ordination #12
John 21: 15-17 — Mass for Priests
A. TEXT
Jesus Reveals himself
1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri–as; and he revealed himself in this way.
Apostles go Fishing
2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a–el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.
Jesus’ Fishing Instructions
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish.
“It is the Lord”
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
Meal with Jesus
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty–three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Simon Peter Commissioned
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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.
Peter’s Martyrdom Prophesied
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Implied Death of Beloved Disciple
20 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 23 The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
Conclusion to Gospel
24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
B. EXPLANATION
1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri–as; and he revealed himself in this way.
“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe’ri–as; and he revealed himself in this way” — The Sea of Galilee, the Lake of Genneseret and the Sea of Tiberias are three names for the same stretch of water. Herod Antipas founded a city called Tiberias after the emperor and subsequently the Sea of Galilee was often called the Sea of Tiberias (Jn. 6: 1).
2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a–el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.
“Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan’a–el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb’edee, and two others of his disciples were together” — Only seven disciples are mentioned, five being named. Thomas has already been referred to as “the Twin” (Jn. 20: 24).
“Nathaniel” does not appear in any list of apostles. He is sometimes identified as Bartholomew or Matthias in early writings. He was one of the first disciples (Jn. 1: 45–50).
James and John were the two “sons of Zebedee”. Why the “two others” are not named is not explained. One was the Beloved Disciple if he was not John, son of Zebedee (see verse 7).
“Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing” — Simon Peter appears as the leader and the others are willing to follow him.
The fishermen have returned to their calling of catching fish and they were not successful. Fishing was done mostly at night.
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish.
“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus” — The opening words of this verse imply the resurrection: “just as day was breaking”.
The disciples may not have looked too carefully at the stranger on the shore or they may have been impeded by the lingering darkness. It is strange that they did not recognise “the Lord” as this was his third appearance to them (Jn. 21:14). The other two appearances were recorded in Jn. 20: 1–19.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Children’” — The author of this chapter is a disciple of the beloved disciple. Followers of his referred to themselves as “children”.
“have you any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some’ — The “right side of the boat” was regarded as the lucky side. In addition, there was always the possibility of a person on shore seeing a school of fish that those in the boat might not see.
“So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish” — Unexpected and unnaturally large quantities of various items are frequently referred to in John’ Gospel (Jn. 2: 6 [wine]; 3: 34 [Spirit]; 4: 14 [water]; 6: 11 [loaves]; 7: 37+ [water]; 10: 10 [life]).
The abundance of fish here is so great that the disciples cannot haul them into but had to drag them after the boat (v. 8).
7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
“That disciple whom Jesus loved” — For the “disciple whom Jesus loved” see Jn. 1: 35–42; 13: 23; 18: 25; 19: 26; 20: 2; 21: 20.
“said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’” — For the second time the Beloved Disciple is the first to perceive the Lord (Jn. 20: 8). He may have come to this conclusion because of the sign or miracle of the catch of fish. It is unlikely that he recognised his voice like Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20: 16) as there would have been a time lapse between hearing the voice and catching the fish.
He informs Peter because Peter was their appointed head.
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea” — The Jewish people had a very strict dress code and Simon Peter would not appear before the Lord without proper attire. When “he sprang into the sea” the water was shallow; otherwise he would have soaked his clothing and defeated the purpose of dressing properly.
This scene gives us the distinctive roles of the beloved disciple and Peter. The former is the first to perceive the Lord; Peter is the first to act on this information.
“But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off” — The Greek reads “two hundred cubits”.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty–three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there” — The “charcoal fire” recalls two occurrences in the Bible. First, it reminds the readers of the charcoal fire in the courtyard where Simon Peter denied he knew Jesus (Jn. 18: 18). Now he will affirm his love by another charcoal fire which connects the two assertions.
Second it recalls Isaiah 6: 1–8 which tells of the call of the prophet who saw the Lord sitting on his throne in the sanctuary. He acknowledged his sinfulness (As did Peter in Lk. 5: 1–11). The angel touched Isaiah’s lips and purified them with a burning coal from the fire before the altar. The word for ‘burning coal’ or charcoal was used for the Eucharist in the early Church.
“with fish lying on it, and bread” — “Christ prepares the fish laid over the coals, which is Christ himself: for the cooking fish outspread over the hot coals is the suffering Christ who is spread over the hot coals when because of the fire of his love for us he is immolated on the cross.” (St. Thomas, Commentary on Luke 21, 2599).
The verse does not say that the “bread” was being fried.
This is a clear reminder of the multiplication of the loaves and fish (Jn. 6: 9) and of the Eucharist.
This scene shows that Jesus can feed his disciples without their help. This contrasts with the disciples who could not catch fish without his help.
“Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught” — The meal is already prepared and there was no need for more fish. According to St. Thomas “the ministers of the Church should also bring something to this meal; but whatever it is, it has come from God”. Later he explains, “our Lord asks us to ‘bring the fish’, bring your good works, which have been granted to you to accomplish”.
“So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore” — The primacy of Peter is asserted. It had already been promised (Jn. 1: 42). It would not be confirmed until after the resurrection (Jn. 21: 15–17).
“full of large fish, a hundred and fifty–three of them” — There are many theories about the meaning of the number 153 but nothing is definite. What is clear is that it is a symbol of a great number of people the disciples will ‘catch’ when they obey Jesus in being “fishers of men”.
“and although there were so many, the net was not torn” — In Luke’s account of the very large catch of fish, there are several nets and they were tearing with the number of fish (Lk. 5: 4. 5. 6). Here there is but a single net and it does not tear. This “net” symbolises the Church which does not come apart but is strong in unity which is brought about by Jesus, (mixing metaphors) the Shepherd of the “one flock” (Jn. 10: 16).
Ezekiel the prophet writes of the abundance of water that will flow from the Temple and the large variety of fish that will be caught by the fishermen, “Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east … Wherever the river goes, there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. People will stand fishing beside the sea from En–gedi to En–eglaim; it will be a place for the spreading of nets; its fish will be of a great many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea”. (Ezek 47: 1–10). There are obvious references to Jesus the Temple, the profusion of water that flowed from his side, the fishermen and the “great many kinds of fish”.
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast” — The Risen Lord invites the disciples to his heavenly banquet, the Eucharist.
Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord” — There was no need to ask him when it was obvious who he was from the catch of fish and being close to him in the better light. During his life his divinity had been hidden, but not now. They needed a sign which they recognise as pointing to something greater, the risen Jesus. They were developing in faith: “It was the Lord”.
“Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish” — He is recognised at a meal, the Eucharist. As our faith develops it is here that we too will recognise him.
“This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead” — The other two times when Jesus appeared to the disciples were in the Upper Room (Jn. 20: 19–31).
“If we consider the order and purpose of these appearances, it is evident that the first showed Christ’s divine authority by his breathing the Holy Spirit upon them; the second showed that he was the same person as before, since he let them view his wounds; and the third showed the reality of his risen human nature, for he ate with them.” (St. Thomas, Commentary on John 21, 2569).
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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.
“When they had finished breakfast” — The meal, symbolising the Eucharist (loaves and fish) is now complete.
“Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John” — Jesus addresses him by his original name, “Simon, on of John” his family name used before Jesus had given him the title “Peter” meaning “Rock”.
“Do you love me more than these? He [Peter] said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’” — Simon Peter had been most confident in his own powers and according to Mark (14: 28) said “Even if all lose faith, I will not”. John recorded him as saying, “I will lay down my life for you”. (Jn. 13: 37). Now he is humbled and does not boast but asserts that he does love Jesus. He does not use the word Jesus used, ‘agape’ meaning Christian love, but the word for friendship, for “caring”.
“He [Jesus] said to him, ‘Feed my lambs’” — Jesus states that “the lambs” belong to him: “my lambs”. Later he will say “my sheep”. While he is giving responsibility to Peter for the flock he is not giving him the flock; the flock remains Jesus’.
“A second time he said to him, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep’” — Once again the two words for “love” are different, Jesus using “agape” and Simon using “caring”.
To tend the sheep includes providing all that they need, more than mere feeding or pasturing. It includes leading the sheep to safety in their compound at night, defending the sheep from thieves and wolves, seeking the stray and lost, keeping the unity of the flock
“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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” — Jesus does not use the word “agape” for love in this third question but he uses the word Simon had used and asks ‘Do you really care for me’. The author attributes this reply to “Peter”, not “Simon”.
Jesus looks for a three–fold profession of love from Simon Peter to correspond to the three–fold denial that Peter ever knew him when approached by the people in the courtyard of the trial (Jn. 18: 17, 25–27).
18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”
“Truly, truly, I say to you” — This is a solemn introduction to a very important statement.
“when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go’” — This was a Jewish proverb.
“(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” — Peter had offered to go to prison and death with Jesus (Jn. 13: 36–38). That is now confirmed. “After this” prophecy of his manner of death, Peter is to follow Jesus the Shepherd in everything, even his violent death (Jn. 10: 11). Peter was crucified in 64 A.D., decades before this Gospel was written towards the end of the first century, if not a decade prior to that, certainly not afterwards.
It is only now at the end of this Gospel that Jesus invites Peter to follow him. Other evangelists report the call at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. The author has Simon Peter’s call postponed because Peter had not fully understood the implications. He was inclined to be impetuous, hasty, rush into decisions and he trusted in himself too much.
C. APPLICATION
Introduction: John’s Gospel ended with Chapter 20 and this additional chapter, frequently referred to as an Appendix, was written by one or more of his disciples. That is a technical point but there is no doubt that no matter who wrote the chapter it is an official part of the inspired word of God accepted by all Christian groups.
Jesus As is customary in this section, our first reflection and application is about Jesus.
(i) In the opening scene we see the disciples worn out after a night’s unsuccessful fishing; they caught nothing. They are tired, hungry and, no doubt, disappointed or depressed. They were probably not thinking of Jesus, just themselves. He finds them and does two things to boost their morale. He tells them where to catch a huge shoal of fish. He invites them to breakfast which he has prepared. In both matters he shows his personal concern for them.
(ii) He holds a quiet talk with Peter. He does not rebuke, tell him off or demand an apology for his triple denials. He does not even mention them. He makes it possible for Peter to affirm his love and loyalty. And he confirms him as “Peter”, the Rock on which he builds his Church. An example of even more consideration for Peter.
(iii) Finally, he commissions Peter to take up the Lord’s own work as one who tends the sheep (see John 10 on the Good Shepherd). Peter, fed by Jesus on the shore, is told to “feed my sheep.” Jesus shows his love and care for succeeding generations of disciples (us!) in providing for their care.
Peter The focus in today’s Gospel Reading is on Peter who is central to each of the six scenes of the chapter: the fishing scene, the breakfast scene, the reconciliation scene, the installation scene, the prophecy of martyrdom scene and the instruction to follow Jesus. He is shown as the primary witness of the resurrection, a missionary, the shepherd of the flock, a martyr and in relationship to the Beloved Disciple to whom Jesus had committed his mother (See 19: 26–27)
The primacy was given to Peter directly and immediately. So the Church has always understood — and so Vatican I defined: “We therefore teach and declare that, according to the testimony of the Gospel, the primacy of jurisdiction over the universal Church of God was immediately and directly promised and given to Blessed Peter the Apostle by Christ our Lord. … And it was upon Simon Peter alone that Jesus after His resurrection bestowed the jurisdiction of chief pastor and ruler over all His fold in the words: “Feed My lambs; feed My sheep” (Vatican Council I, “Pastor Aeternus”, Chapter 1).
The primacy is a grace conferred on Peter and his successors, the popes; it is one of the basic elements in the Church, designed to guard and protect its unity: “In order that the episcopate also might be one and undivided, and that […] the multitude of the faithful might be kept secure in the oneness of faith and communion, He set Blessed Peter over the rest of the Apostles, and fixed in him the abiding principle of this twofold unity, and its visible foundation” (“Pastor Aeternus”; cf. Vatican II, “Lumen Gentium”, 18).
Therefore, the primacy of Peter is perpetuated in each of his successors: this is something which Christ disposed; it is not based on human legislation or custom.
When Jesus instructed Simon Peter to feed his lambs and tend his sheep (Jn. 21: 15-17) he passed to Peter his own role of shepherd (Jn, 10: 1–28). Simon was not chosen to be “Peter” because of his special merits or because he was strong or the best qualified. Jesus chose a man whose qualifications were listed throughout the Gospels as weak. I am sure that no present–day board of directors would appoint a Chief Executive Officer to head a large corporation if he had qualities such as Simon had! “Peter” must always remember that the flock is not “his flock” but the flock of Jesus. Peter’s duty is to know the mind of Jesus. His main qualification in the eyes of Jesus is that he loves him. This is what we must expect from “Peter”.
Simon was called to be “Peter”. He failed. He repented and was reconciled. He was re–called. His love was tested and he was given the promise of dying like the Lamb led to the slaughter. Now he knows that he must trust the Shepherd who will nourish him and protect him, even in death.