The Big Fisherman
(Acts 5:27-32,40-41; Rev.5:11-14; Jn.21:1-19)
Fish was popular in Biblical times, especially among those living near the Sea of Galilee. It was an important part of their diet, culture and economy. Indeed, the Gospels mention fish more often than meat.
One person who made a good living from fishing was St Peter. Church tradition tells us that he was a big man and a strong leader, and along with James and John, he ran a large fishing business (Lk.5:7,11; Mk.1:20; Jn.21:1-3).
Peter came from Bethsaida (which means ‘House of Fishing’). Bethsaida grew enormously during the reign of King Herod Philip. As the demand for fish grew, Peter’s business grew, too.
You might recall that in Luke’s Gospel, soon after Jesus began his public ministry, he approached Peter on the shore while he was cleaning his nets, and he invited him to become a disciple (Lk.5:1-11).
Interestingly, most of Jesus’ disciples fished. Today’s Gospel hints that seven of the twelve were fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Thomas and Nathaniel (Jn.21:2,3).
But why choose so many fishers? It’s because the skills you need for fishing are very similar to those you need to be a good apostle: both need to be disciplined, obedient and prepared to learn (Mk.1:18; Lk.5:5-6). Both need to work well with others (Mt.13:47). And both need to be strong, courageous and patient, especially when the work is tough, and the catch is poor.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is again on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It’s after his resurrection, and his disciples are out fishing. They’ve worked all night and caught nothing, so Jesus calls out, telling them to cast their net on the starboard side. When they do so, they catch 153 big fish.
This is Jesus’ last miracle before his Ascension.
The disciples then excitedly return to shore, where Jesus prepares them a hearty breakfast of bread and fish on a charcoal fire.
Now, this meal is very Eucharistic. Why? It’s because the bread reflects Jesus himself, who we know is the Bread of Life. And together with the fish, it reminds us of Jesus’ many teachings and miracles which involve fish and bread, including his feeding of the multitudes (Mt.14:13-21; Mk.8:16-21).
But why does Jesus serve fish instead of wine? Well, this fish is the fruit of the disciples’ labours and it’s central to their identity and culture, so it binds them together in communion.
But Jesus also loves to make people think, and he recognises the deep symbolism of the fish. The letters of the Greek word for fish, Ichthus, summarise our Christian faith. I (iota) stands for Jesus, X (chi) for Christ, O (theou) for God, U (upsilon) for son, and S (sigma) for Saviour.
So, in Greek the letters read: ‘Iēsous Christos, Theou Uios Sōtēr’, which in English means ‘Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour’.
And of course, in inviting these men to become his disciples, Jesus’ plan is to make them ‘fishers of men’ (Mt.4:19).
Later on, during the Roman persecution, the fish became a secret symbol of the Christian faith, and in the second century, the Latin theologian Tertullian described Christians as ‘little fishes’ led by the ‘Big Fish’, Jesus himself.
Both the bread and the fish in today’s Gospel therefore point to Jesus, who is the spiritual food we need for eternal life.
Now, while the disciples are on that pebbly beach eating their breakfast, Jesus is aware that Peter hasn’t forgiven himself for the mistakes he has made, like publicly denying him three times.
But Jesus knows that there’s much more to him than this, so he gives him a chance to undo the past and begin again. Jesus turns to him and three times asks, ‘Do you love me?’
Each time Peter replies, ‘Yes, Lord’.
The other disciples are looking on, and they hear Jesus say to Peter, if you really love me, then ‘feed my lambs’ and ‘take care of my sheep’.
They witness Jesus asking Peter to lead his Church, and as we know, he goes on to become the first Pope.
Peter was a big man who was headstrong and sometimes made mistakes, just as we do. However, he also had a big heart and a healthy dose of humility, and this allowed him to grow and mature.
With God’s grace he rose to Jesus’ challenge. He changed his career by becoming a fisher for men. He also became a shepherd, caring for Jesus’ flock of sheep.
Peter teaches us that failure is never final.
New life always awaits us if we truly believe in Jesus Christ.