Friday within Easter Octave : 5th April 2024

In today’s Gospel scene, Jesus’ risen presence to the disciples was by the lakeside. It shows the intimacy and ease that Jesus shares in His relationship with the disciples, reminiscent of the first time they met Him by the seashore. However, the disciples have problems recognising Him as He appears to them as the Risen Lord. It is the beloved disciple who recognises Jesus and calls out, “It is the Lord”.

The large number of fish caught miraculously by the disciples is symbolic of the mission given by Jesus to them. It is a reminder for them to become “fishers of men”. They are also reminded that they will catch nothing without the help of Jesus. The number of “big fish” caught signifies the universal and abundant mission that Jesus gives to the Church. That the net is not “torn” means that people from everywhere will be gathered into the community of disciples. The “drawing” of the net is the “drawing” all of humanity to Jesus.

In the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostles are true “fishers of men” as called by God. Peter and John endured arrest by the Jewish authorities for proclaiming Jesus’ resurrection. By rejecting Jesus, the Jewish authorities have forfeited their claims as religious leaders of the people. The fishermen have now replaced them as the new leaders of God’s people, in the name of Jesus who transformed and appointed them.

Lord, help me to become a “fisher of men”.