Gospel – John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed himself 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, “ 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.

Reflection on the Gospel

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.

Today’s Gospel talks of Jesus’ third post Resurrection apparitions.

Here we read about Jesus giving his disciples a symbol of their mission….a catch of fish!

Peter is asked three times “do you love me”. Fishing and shepherding are duties of the Church and Peter’s primary mission is to care for the vulnerable lambs and sheep – this will lead to his martyrdom.

This reading shows us that the risen Jesus was the one who planned and directed the missionary actions of the early Church.

” Cast your nets.” If at first you do not catch – keep trying!!! We have so many people around us that need to be  evangelized. Can you help?

Do you open your eyes, ears, and hearts to experience the  risen Lord coming into your life?

Have you realized that the risen Lord is present in your friends and families?

Our risen Lord walks with us each and every day – in our classrooms, in our recreation and in our hearts.
Are you a steward to our Lord?

Ask yourself if you have touched the hearts of those around you?

We are needed to help bring those “fish in” – with our hearts and our spirit!

Frank Cafaro
St. Peter’s Boys High School – Staten Island, NY

Saint John Baptist de La Salle – Pray for us.
Live, Jesus, in our hearts – Forever.