Third Sunday

Gospel: John 21: 1-19

Today’s Gospel shows that, even after the great events of the Resurrection, the disciples had not fully appreciated their new role as evangelisers. they had gone back to their old trade - fishing.

This was, of course, what they were doing when Jesus had first met them -and had told them that, from then on, He would be making them into fishers of men

(You might like to see how similar the meeting today is to the account of Jesus calling the disciples in Luke 5:1-11).

Now, of course, things are different. Jesus is risen and it is time that the disciples remembered why they were called.

They are fishing but, expert though they are, they have caught nothing. When Jesus intervenes, their catch is so abundant that they are left struggling to bring it all in.

Jesus invites them to eat - a mini-Eucharist as He breaks bread - but also a reminder of 5 loaves and 2 fishes and how what seemed so pitiful an offering fed 5000 men (not to mention the women and children!)

Then, Jesus turns to Peter and asks three times whether he loves Him. Some people have suggested that this was by way of redeeming Peter’s three denials. It also has the effect of forcing Peter to realise how much he loves Jesus and wants to follow Him - even to the same kind of death.

So the fishermen become fishers of people - and shepherds to the people of God.

They could not do it alone - but with Jesus - following Jesus, they are learning that great things are possible from small beginnings.

What does it mean for me?
 

When have you felt that God has done something great with the little you thought you had to offer?  How would you respond is Jesus asked you - “Do you love Me?” Are you ready to live with the consequences?

| Gospel | First Reading | Second Reading |

| Weekly Wellsprings | Wellspring Core Page |

© 2011, Wellspring