Word to the Wise
Friday, April 22, 2022 - Octave of Easter - Fri
[Acts 4:1-12 and John 21:1-14]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 Pimon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundre fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jeus 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. [John]
None of the four gospels escaped "editors" or "wanna-be" evangelists before a more or less accepted version emerged that the large majority of Christians could use. And even now, there are a variety of translations to choose from!!! The last "chapter" of the Gospel According to John is a good example of the process of editing and adding. Most scripture scholars agree that this chapter was tacked on by a disciple of the primary evangelist. It was nevertheless accepted by the Christian community as the inspired word of God.
Today's passage is the first half of the chapter and echoes two different traditions about Jesus: the large catch of fish (cf Luke 5:1-11) and the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, which appears in all the gospels. There has been endless speculation about the number of the fish with no general agreement about its significance other than being a big catch. The eucharistic overtones of the meal are strong. The fact that Peter and "the beloved disciple" get special mention echoes their going to the empty tomb, where the Beloved Disciple "sees and believes" before Peter does. The second half of this chapter will bring out the contrast even more clearly. Peter's leadership is affirmed, but so is the importance of the Johannine witness.
As is so often with the way the lectionary divides scriptural passages, it is better to read the whole chapter to get the full meaning of either half given for a day. Whoever added the text meant to emphasize important truths about the Lord's choice of Peter as leader but standing up for the community of the Beloved Disciple. We can be equally grateful for both. AMEN