The Sunday Gospel [April 14, 2013]
John 21:1-19
1After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. 2Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. 3Simon 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. 4When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” 6So 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. 7So 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. 8The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. 9When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. 10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11So 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. 12Jesus 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.13Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. 14This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.
15When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”16He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18Amen, amen, I say to you,j when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”19He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Reflection
The gospel of John has not ended. This chapter seems like an epilogue and was probably added later. The disciples appear to be no longer interested in their mission of continuing the ministry of Jesus and decide to go fishing instead. With the help of Jesus they catch a large number of fish. The beloved disciple recognizes Jesus; Peter acts impetuously and they all have breakfast.
Why the second ending of the gospel? Peter and the beloved disciple again seem to be in contrast. What is your image of Peter throughout the gospel? How does this compare with the image of Peter presented in Matthew?
Source: The Reflection is from Bro. Abel Navarro (you can visit his blog at http://myblogabelnavarroabel.blogspot.com/).
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