Jesus Reveals Himself Again
We encounter a beautiful moment of divine revelation in the quiet dawn by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, returning to their familiar work as fishermen after experiencing the trauma of the crucifixion, find themselves in the ordinary rhythms of life. Despite their expertise, they catch nothing all night - until a figure on the shore directs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat. The miraculous catch of 153 fish reveals the stranger's identity: "It is the Lord!" John exclaims. This scripture reminds us that Jesus Christ often appears in our lives not through extraordinary visions but in the context of our daily labors and struggles, waiting for us to recognize His presence.
Peter's impetuous dive into the water speaks to the heart's natural longing for communion with Jesus. While the other disciples follow in the boat, Peter cannot wait - he must be with his Lord immediately. This mirrors our own spiritual journey; some moments call for patient, methodical progress toward Jesus , while others demand the wholehearted abandonment of everything else to be in His presence. The Risen Lord awaits us on the shore of our lives, having already prepared a place for us - a fire with bread and fish - just as He prepares a place for us in eternity.
The Lord's invitation to "come and have breakfast" carries profound Eucharistic significance. This shared meal by the lakeshore echoes the Last Supper and prefigures the eternal heavenly banquet. Just as Jesus takes the bread and gives it to them, so too does He continue to feed us through the Holy Eucharist at Mass. This third appearance of the Risen Lord reminds us that His presence among us is real and substantial - not a ghost or mere memory, but the same Jesus who died and rose again, now glorified yet still bearing the wounds of His sacrifice.
In today's gospel, we witness how the Lord meets us in our need, both physical and spiritual. The disciples' empty nets become miraculously full; their hunger is satisfied by food Jesus Himself has prepared. Yet these material blessings point toward deeper spiritual realities. The abundant catch foreshadows the apostles' future mission of drawing souls into the Church, while the shared meal strengthens them for service. As we contemplate this scene, we are invited to recognize Jesus' presence in our own lives - in our work, our communities, and most profoundly in the breaking of bread - and to respond with Peter's eagerness and John's insight: "It is the Lord!"
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
