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…Read More
Quote
“Have patience with all things - but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.” - St. Francis de Sales
Reflection
The Gospel narrates the apostles returning to their former jobs as fishermen. They probably felt ashamed and unworthy of Jesus’ love or being His followers after they abandoned and denied him during His passion. To their astonishment, Jesus still demonstrates great affection and care by helping them catch fish, preparing breakfast, and eating with them. We, too, can feel unworthy of God’s love or being Jesus’ disciple because of our sinfulness, failings, weak resolutions, and so on. Yet, our denial of Him does not result in His denial of us. Our disobedience does not stop God from loving us or annul His invitation to be His disciples. Why? Because we are His beloved creatures created in His own image.
Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS
Chaplain for Deaf Catholics Archdiocese of Detroit
Eastpointe, MI
