Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We also will come with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered Him, "No." So He said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. 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 Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 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.

Jesus’ appearance to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias reminds us of the beginning of His ministry, when He called the fishermen of Galilee to "catch people" for the kingdom.

Peter and the other disciples are a picture of defeat as they go back to their old life. With their Master crucified, their dreams seem to have gone to nothing. They try fishing to get back some bearings. They catch nothing for all their efforts. But in the morning, they hear an order to lower their nets for a catch. The great catch can only mean that Jesus has returned to them alive. It is all that is needed to change the mood of the story. The risen Jesus prepares a charcoal fire also to enkindle hope and happiness within us.

At the Last Supper, Jesus bent down to wash the feet of his disciples. He who was Master and Lord "served them at table" – the duty of a slave. Here in the Gospel, Jesus prepares breakfast for His disciples. He remains ever a servant: The Master who has come not to be served but to serve. The risen Jesus teaches us to be humble and benevolent – in victory!

SOURCE: "365 Days with the Lord," ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.