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. – John 21:3
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples after His Resurrection in a familiar way. He first called them when they were fishermen in this same place (see Luke 5:1-11). Sometimes the Bible names the Lake of Tiberius, the Lake of Gennesaret, or the Sea of Galilee. These are all different names for the same place. Imagine what it was like for the apostles to go back to the beginning, before they met Jesus. Perhaps that was what Peter was thinking when he said, “I am going fishing (John 21:3).
So there they were, back home fishing. But the Risen Christ met them there to remind them of the mission He sent them on that first day: from then on they would be fishers of men (cf. Luke 5:10). This is one interpretation of what all those fish mean. The net so full of multiple varieties of fish that they cannot pull it in can be seen as the “great catch” of the nations, of all the people that the Church, the barque (boat) of St. Peter, has and will harbor in the safety of her bow.
Jesus is the head fisherman, the one calling the shots. Without Jesus, the disciples “catch nothing.” But once Jesus gives them direction, they catch so many fish that they cannot pull the net in. As a Church, all our efforts at discipleship and evangelization will come back empty without Jesus directing our action, telling us where and when to cast out our nets. The same goes for our personal lives. Are there places in your life where you are trying to “fish without Jesus?” Is your work or home life separate from your prayer life? If so, you might feel burned out, like you’re dragging around an empty net. Where could you allow Jesus to aid you with your everyday responsibilities?
Jesus, thank you for providing for me and for Your Church. Help me be a faithful and effective fisher of men for You. Please be present in every part of my life, making it fruitful with Your divine life.