Finding Hope on the Shores of Tiberias
In the early morning light on the Sea of Tiberias, seven discouraged disciples returned to what they knew best - fishing. After a night of empty nets, they encountered the risen Christ standing on the shore, though they did not recognize Him. With simple instructions to cast their nets to the right side of the boat, Jesus transformed their failure into abundance - 153 large fish, yet "the net was not torn." This miracle echoes His earlier call in their lives and reminds us that when we return to our ordinary routines after profound spiritual experiences, Jesus Christ meets us there, often unrecognized at first, ready to bring supernatural abundance to our natural efforts.
The beloved disciple's recognition - "It is the Lord!" - and Peter's impetuous dive into the sea reveal two paths of discipleship: contemplative insight and passionate action. While some disciples remained with the boat and the miraculous catch, Peter could not wait, diving into the waters to reach his Master. When they all arrived on shore, they found Jesus had already prepared a charcoal fire with fish and bread. This tender detail reveals the Lord's care - He prepares for us before we even reach Him. The Risen Christ doesn't merely appear to His disciples; He serves them, nourishes them, and restores communion through a shared meal.
This waterside breakfast carries profound Eucharistic overtones. Jesus "took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish" - language reminiscent of both the multiplication of loaves and the Last Supper. After the trauma of the crucifixion and the confusion of the resurrection reports, this simple meal by the lakeshore becomes a moment of healing intimacy. The disciples' silence - "None of the disciples dared ask him, 'Who are you?'" - speaks to a deeper recognition beyond words. They knew in their hearts this was their Lord, present in a new way that transcended their previous understanding.
Today's gospel invites us to recognize the Risen Lord in our own moments of returning to the familiar after spiritual disappointment. When our efforts seem fruitless, Jesus stands on the shore of our everyday lives, offering guidance that leads to unexpected abundance. He prepares nourishment we did not provide ourselves and invites us to the intimate communion of breaking bread together. The miraculous catch reminds us that our labor has purpose when directed by the Lord, while the shared meal teaches us that the ultimate purpose of our work is communion with Jesus and one another. In both our productive successes and our empty-handed failures, the Risen Lord awaits us with bread and fish, saying once again, "Come and have breakfast."
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
