Don't you find this passage filled to overflowing with delightful descriptions? Only in the Gospel of Saint John do we discover such an appealing and even worshipful relationship between Simon Peter and his Savior and Lord. A feast is set before us and its attraction will last a lifetime for all those who profess the Christ.
As usual, the Master relates his will and ways through common and ordinary means. Who didn't know what a fish was? Yes, and who didn't know a sheep when he/she saw one? Additionally, the Psalm 23 was deeply engrained in those who called themselves religious Jews.
To have caught the scene(s) on videotape might be something all of us wished could have happened. Obviously, that didn't happen, at least, as we understand those things. Perhaps in heaven it will be played back to us in all its magnificence but there is no need to wait and see.
We are treated to a sublime and yet down-to-earth story, filled with meaning so profound that we continue to reflect and ponder. How privileged we are! We are more privileged than Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Yes, and add to that Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many others.
Peter failed and then succeeded at fishing. For some of us fishing has just never caught on as a pastime. We use our spare time in other diversions. For many it is golf or some other worthwhile activity. For those of us less participant oriented, watching baseball, basketball, football, and racing comes to mind. Perhaps it is best for us to notice then from the beginning, fishing — except for the rich — was a way of making a living and not much of a hobby. In that day and time, most everything had some connection to providing food, clothing, and shelter. Jesus was good at tapping into the fishing business for disciples!
Yes, we discover the Big Fisherman first failing and then succeeding. It seemed like that was the story of his life! The gospels again and again depict him as a bumbling sort of fellow who managed — at first — to botch most everything. Surely, a man who caught fish for a livelihood would have the good sense to try more than one side of the boat. Anyone with solid business skills knows one does not continue to spend time for very long in an area which is not profitable. But just maybe we should not be too hard on Christ's chosen leader. How often do you and I botch promising ventures? Do we need to elaborate further?
It sounds like it was quite a catch of fish. In fact, we are told there were 153 large fish. By today's standards, this may sound small and modest. Yes, and isn't it fascinating the actual number is given? It adds credence to the whole event, doesn't it? There are those who respond that it doesn't make a bit of difference and all that matters is that it was a good fishing trip. It succeeded, despite Peter's usual unintended buffoonery, and proved once again that Christ's favorite fellow was still just that. We might ask: "Why did God's Son continue to be patient with him?" To be honest, we can only conjecture.
He must have been some sight, because you remember he jumped into the water, after the disciple Jesus loved told Peter of the presence of the Lord. It even sounds like the other disciples were doing all the work in bringing the heavily loaded net to shore. This fellow designated as "the Rock" by many was certainly colorful but many, if not most of us, would not have made him first among equals in the college of the twelve apostles! Yet, the gospel story, not just in John but the other three, tells us he and the Lord had a very special relationship. After all, he was the one who recognized Jesus as the Christ. Some might add, in jest, Jesus had to call him to ministry before he went broke in the fishing business!
Peter had a memorable breakfast. The enormous catch was safely ashore. The Lord was waiting on the beach. He had some bread and was cooking fish over a charcoal fire. Jesus invited them to breakfast. Can you and I imagine having breakfast with Jesus? In our society and culture, we might want to visualize some well-to-do fellows, dressed in sport clothes, sitting in a restaurant. Our dear Lord looks much like them, except he has on a clerical collar! They have the works. There are eggs, pancakes, ham, sausage, bacon, toast, coffee, juice, and jelly. Far-fetched and amusing? Well, yes, because it bends the story so far it loses its majesty. It also has pork on their plates!
They all knew it was the Lord. Plates were not passed and he served them, which is significant. Do you get the idea that there is more than tasty fish and wholesome bread at work here? Do you also sense that there's a lot more to it than hungry, seedy fishermen devouring a tasty meal? It has a Eucharistic dimension, doesn't it? In a way, it is a fish story and yet in another it isn't at all. For one thing Jesus, according to the text, already has the table set. Not one of the 153 fish is needed or is it? It is reminiscent of the loaves and the fishes. There is both miracle and mystery at work here. So, as we attempt to decipher the meaning, food from the hands of the Master is put before us.
Man cannot live by bread alone, regardless of its freshness and delicious taste. It is in the spiritual sharing of our gifts that we are nourished and fulfilled. Our blessed Lord was always giving gifts and in doing so challenges us to do the same. His greatest gift is found in his undeniable presence, as the crucified and resurrected Lord, in the Holy Communion. While Peter and the others experience a memorable breakfast, the message is clear. He is the one who feeds us. We do not feed him. He will continue being the Christ, regardless of what we do or do not do. In our case, however, it is what he does for us that enables us to live the Christian life.
To have fellowship with the Master early in the day has long been a staple for those who are serious about living the Christian faith. To begin the day aright with him is to set in motion forces of good for the entire day. Early in the morning our song shall rise to you! When morning guilds the skies, we cry out that Jesus Christ be praised! While Protestants have tended to be more cerebral in their morning devotions, they have begun, at least in some cases, to learn the tremendous stabilizing influence of attending mass on the part of Roman Catholics. To receive his body and blood is to receive holy medicine from the living God! Of course, we can do Bible study, offer prayers of intercession and petition, receive the holy sacrament, and meditate, how thoroughly blessed we are!
Peter was greeted by three questions. It was only after breakfast that the Lord posed his trio of questions to Peter. The blessed event of both material and spiritual food had happened. Jesus had a plan, didn't he? The focus was now on his main man. The fellow whose track record was subject to criticism was now on the spot. We note it was one-on-one, with the others simply watching and listening. It was testing time and Peter was on trial. There are those who say Jesus was doing this grilling to be sure he had chosen the right man to lead his church. Suppose Peter had failed the test. Then, what would have happened? Yes, and how would a failing grade influence the history of the church?
We get the feeling the Lord wanted to have everything in place before he ascended into heaven. So, he kept pressing the issue and Peter must have felt the heat. Three consecutive times the questions were asked. There was no breathing space, so to speak, as the text presented a trilogy which will forever be imprinted in our Christian consciences. Peter was to love his Lord, tend his sheep, and feed his sheep. The recipient of the inquiries seemed to grow weary and, in impatience or hurt feelings, attempted to remind the Lord that he knew everything. It was a classic scene for all our spiritual ancestors and will remain so for all future generations, provided the Lord tarries.
We may want to suggest to Jesus that he take it a little easier on the poor fellow. As a matter of fact, we may even begin to feel sorry for him. Peter, the Lord really isn't angry at you, but he needs to be sure of your love and thorough commitment. Peter, the Christian movement cannot be tripped up by a vacillating attitude that compromises what the Lord has set out to accomplish. Peter, so much is being given to you in responsibility and authority. To fail is not just to fail yourself and the apostles. It is a matter of there being no room for negligence. Souls hang in the balance. Posterity counts on you perhaps like no other human being who was ever born.
In a small, but certainly similar way, we pastors know this holy routine. It is not secular questions and answers, like being interviewed or evaluated for a job in a bank. Some of us in years and even decades still hear our blessed Lord addressing us as a reminder. For the shepherd of the lambs and sheep to fail his/her boss is to set in motion more hurt than any of us can adequately imagine. It is sometimes scary, but necessarily so. Perhaps the hardest thing to understand is that just because the world labels us failures does not mean it is so. We may have to betray the world in order to serve our Master! The ordained ministry at its intended best is never a secular calling to a profession like other professions.
Peter caught a glimpse of his own death. Again, Jesus proceeded in what can be termed a logical progression. The all-important threesome was out of the way. Essential answers had been given. As Peter heard the words drop from his Master's lips, he must have trembled. Would he have to die for his faith? For a man like Peter to be taken where he didn't want to go, potentially was a very hard pill for him to swallow. When it happened, he was to be old and not have any actual say-so. His right of decision would have vanished but, best of all, is that it would glorify God! Some would say it was bad news so the good news could flourish.
While the holy scriptures do not mention the specific way he dies, well-received tradition has a word for us. Apparently, Christians were going through terrifying persecutions in Rome and it came time for Peter to be killed. This tradition said he was to be crucified like numerous others in the usual way. Peter said he was not worthy to die the same as his Master did, so he requested to be crucified head downward. What better way could he glorify God? It sounds like he received his fate with composure and fortitude. There is a certain divine aura about all of this and it makes us weep tears of both sadness and joy. However, as we reflect, joy comes to the forefront and wins.
Jesus' call to Peter to follow him must have been kept heroically in tact. To believe or not to believe in the papacy and the popes with Peter being first, tends to be a moot point for those of us who have sought to follow the ecumenical imperative. Perhaps it is because recent popes like John XXIII and John Paul II have shown us by example they could relate to Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Generally, our affection and respect for them has become a major unifying force for those confessing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Both men were gifts to all of us and their charitable goodness lingers like the aroma of gorgeous flowers sent to us by the angels in heaven. We have witnessed centuries-old prejudices diminish and even die!
As you and I receive this powerfully relevant text into our very souls, we relearn the amazing genius of the holy scriptures. The Lord Jesus Christ tells us the truth and expects us to appropriate it in ways benefiting every life we touch. We walk by faith but, like Saint Peter, we are given a glimpse now and then. Those precious moments are signposts, making our pilgrimages somewhat easier. Our faith, how gloriously precious and indispensable to our well being it is! Stop tending to feel sorry for Peter and celebrate his life and death. His imperfections and betrayals were but stepping-stones for someone who, by the grace of God, finally grew up in Christ.
Simon Peter is the star "attraction." He is pictured again and again as the prime apostle to lead the ancient church. Our dear Lord just would not let loose of him! It is here that some of us reflect on voyages in our spiritual experiences which are best noted as hectic and perhaps earthshaking. But did the Master give up on us? The answer is in a resounding negative. We were not remotely close to what we should have been but the Lord clung tenaciously to us. We are not in the "star" category. Yet we know firsthand the power of Christ's persistence and his ways of spiritual formation. By the very nature of our calling, we pastors are fishermen and shepherds.
Praises be to God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ we are told to follow him! All human beings at some time in our lives decide to follow someone. Indeed, there are those who change who they will follow a few or several times. Why not settle in with the Master in the early portion of our lives and live spiritually happy the rest of our days? Laity are also capable of being both fishermen and shepherds. Sometimes they are even better at it than those of us duly ordained by our denominations. Never underestimate the powerful love of God. Yes, and when he absolutely refuses to let you go, kneel in gratitude and thank him now and forever. Amen.