Word to the Wise
Friday, April 13, 2012 - Octave of Easter - Fri
[Acts 4:1-12 and John 21:1-14]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.
Today's gospel passage comes from "Chapter 21" of the Gospel of John. This "chapter" is known to scripture scholars as the "Johannine Appendix," because it appears to have been added to the original, but at a point early enough for the church to eventually include it in the "canon" of scripture. Therefore, it is considered to be inspired revelation. For our purposes, the images are vivid and dramatic and worth reflection. The story of the miraculous catch of fish seems to echo the one in Luke 5:1-11. The meal of bread and fish echoes the multiplication of the loaves and fishes (John 6:1-15). There is also (not included in today's passage) the triple question to Simon Peter, "Do you love me?" which seems to function both as rehabilitation from his denial of Jesus as well as commissioning him as head of the church.
The imagination can play with the story of the 153 big fish, or the frantic effort to get to shore to encounter Jesus. Simon Peter seems to specialize in getting out of the boat in colorful ways! We should not ignore the point that it is the Beloved Disciple who first recognizes Jesus! The significance of the number 153 has attracted speculation for centuries with no definite conclusion - be my guest! The meal also echoes the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus [Luke 24]. Perhaps the author of the "appendix" simply thought that these stories were unintentionally left out. We don't know. We can be grateful that we have the additional richness the appendix provides for our reflection on the great mystery of Christ's resurrection! He is risen! Alleluia! AMEN