Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

It Is The Lord!

~ Rev. Thomas F. Dailey, OSFS

John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics and Social Communications, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary + Ambler, Pa.

Today’s third post-resurrection revelation of Jesus to his disciples (after John 20:19 and 20:26) is recounted in what most take to be an addendum to the Fourth Gospel, since 20:30-31 serves as a clear conclusion to the entire book.  Unlike the previous two revelations, this appearance takes place in Galilee, at Lake Tiberias, there where the disciples first encountered Jesus.

The disciples return to their roots as fishermen, heading off into the “night” to ply their craft. Yet only at “dawn” and guided by the vision of someone “standing on the shore” are they able to haul in a net filled with fish. 

Shallow water fishing often works that way, and an entire school of fish can be caught at once. Theologically, the fishing scene incorporates Johannine symbolism for faith (dark to light) in the Resurrected (standing) One, whose vision, when trusted, brings abundance.

Here, too, we see the interaction of John and Peter.  The beloved disciple understands: "It is the Lord” (the title for the Resurrected Jesus).  The impetuous disciple wants to lead the way. With his own leap of faith, Peter “jumps into” the water, ready and anxious to greet the Lord.  Told to bring “some” of the fish, Peter brings them all, all by himself.

With a term usually referring to people, not fish, the ”multitude” caught may signal the success of the evangelization efforts of Peter and the other disciples. (Saint Jerome suggests the number 153 represents all of the different kind of fish found in that sea.) The “net” that is the Church is one (not torn) and encircles all peoples with the Good News of the Resurrection.

The risen Jesus who spectacularly came and stood among His disciples in Jerusalem, now “manifests” himself to the disciples in the midst of their everyday lives. There, as He still does in our midst, He serves them a meal, the meal by which He comes to be recognized, without question, as “the Lord.” 

Holy Toast and Tiny Sheep



~ Linda Davis

Saint Mary's Catholic Church + Lancaster, Pa.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples return to what they know and cast their nets once more. After the whirlwind of Jesus’ death and resurrection, undoubtedly confused and reeling, they go back to something familiar.

As a mom, I understand that. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, I find myself clinging to ordinary rhythms— wiping counters, making snacks, matching endless pairs of toddler socks — because it’s where I feel grounded. The disciples fish all night and catch nothing. That hits close to home. Some days feel like that — hours of effort with little to show for it. But then Jesus appears at dawn. He tells them to cast their nets again, and suddenly they overflow. He turns their weariness into abundance.

And then He makes breakfast.

That moment always stops me. The risen Christ — the one who conquered death — is standing by a charcoal fire, cooking for His friends. No sermon, no commands ... just bread and fish, warmth and welcome. It’s a parent kind of love, really. Meeting needs before they’re asked, knowing that sometimes what we most need isn’t a solution, but a meal. I think of how many breakfasts I’ve made half-awake, how often love looks like peanut butter toast and cut-up fruit. And I’m reminded: Jesus is in those moments, too. He feeds us so we can feed others.

He restores Peter not with shame, but with purpose: “Feed my sheep.”

I hear that clearly. These little ones are my sheep. My small daily offerings matter, because even in the simplest acts of love, I’m following the example of a Savior who cooks breakfast at dawn.