John 21:1-14 NRSVue
1After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. 2Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
9When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish. 14This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
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Reflection on John 21:1-14
Inspiration from 2025-04-25 Daily Prayer
From their encounters with him the apostles will now go out as witnesses of the resurrection from Jerusalem to the whole world. As followers of Jesus we too are called to go and be witnesses to the truth of his resurrection.
The meeting of the risen Jesus with his friends by the lakeshore is one of the most intimate scenes in the gospels. In his humanity Jesus knows they will be tired and hungry and disappointed after their night of fruitless fishing. He has prepared breakfast for them. He is still their Lord and Master and he will be their companion for ever. This holds good for each of us too. Let us be with him now in our prayer.
Jesus asks Simon Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ This is the third question Jesus asks of all his followers, the other two being, ‘What do you seek? (John 1:38), and ‘Who do you say that I am?’ (Luke 9:18). This third question is the most important of the three and it can include the other two. Let us allow the Lord to ask each of us these three questions now.
Further reflection
A night of futile fishing leaves empty nets and empty hearts. Jesus takes the initiative and meets them in the early morning light. He invites them to eat: ‘Breakfast is ready!’ There is an abundant table ready - of fish, food, love, warmth, and great joy. Here, fractured relationships are healed.
Jesus, you meet me at the water’s edge of my ordinary life. You accept me lovingly, you encourage me, you invite me to abundance. Nourished by the food of your word, warmed by the fire of your unfailing love, may I in turn nourish, heal and love those I meet today.