Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 21:1–19

In Sunday's gospel, we come to see Peter, the rock upon whom Christ would build His Church, returning to his fishing boat. He's going back to his old life, the very life he left behind not too long ago in order to follow Jesus.

Keep in mind, this is the same Peter who walked on water, witnessed hundreds of Jesus' miracles, beheld the glory of the transfiguration, and even encountered the risen Lord.

I wonder what Peter was feeling or thinking. Was he wrestling with doubt and disbelief? Did he feel unworthy of his call to be the rock, a fisher of men, especially since he had denied Jesus so quickly after brazenly declaring he never would? It was probably a combination of all of these emotions.

So what does Peter do to cope with everything he's experiencing and feeling? He retreats to something familiar, something that he knows he is capable of: the boats, the nets, the fish. It's a safe decision, one that offers comfort and a sense of control in this foreign post-resurrection world. Certainly, it is a life where he is shielded from the demands of responsibility and the sacrifice of personal risk. But in turning away from the mission which had been entrusted to him, Peter also turns away from greatness. He turns from the fullness of his role in God's great story of salvation history, which is still being written today. 

I find the parallels between Luke 5:1–11 and this gospel so striking. In the story of the first call of the disciples, we learn that Simon Peter had spent the night fishing without success. Yet at Jesus' command, to "put out into deep water" (Luke 5:4), he casts his net once more and is amazed at the miraculous catch. Peter falls at Jesus' feet and acknowledges his sinfulness. And Jesus responds to him with mercy and an invitation: "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men" (Luke 5:10). It is enough to make Peter walk away from his life and embark on an adventure following a man he barely knows. 

Fishing, repentance, a call, a new life. 

In this weekend's gospel, we see a similar pattern unfold. Peter is fishing with the other disciples, but their nets are empty. Just as day is breaking, Jesus appears on the shore, but they do not recognize Him. He calls out, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” and when they say no, He tells them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat" (John 21:5–6). They obey, and suddenly their nets are so full of fish that they're unable to haul them in. At this, John turns to Peter and declares, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7).

With that, Peter does not hesitate. He jumps into the water and swims to Jesus, who is waiting by a charcoal fire, not unlike the one where Peter denied him for the first time. After breakfast, Jesus gives Peter an opportunity to tell Him that he loves Him, as a reparation for the three times Peter had denied Him. And after each instance of Peter affirming his love for the Lord, Jesus commissions him with the care of his flock. 

In other words, Jesus invites Peter to once again drop his nets and follow Him, though this time as the shepherd of His Church. Despite Peter's transgressions, the Lord still trusts him with this great mission, and He mercifully reinstates Peter to the call which He believes Peter is capable of fulfilling, for the Lord is never outdone in mercy. His grace is ever present. He works with our brokenness to tell stories of redemption and to glorify our wounds when we are willing to drop our nets, love Him, and follow. 

How often do we, like Peter, return to our fishing boats—those places of familiarity, comfort, safety—when we are discouraged, doubting, confused, or feeling unworthy? Yet in those moments, are we willing to hear the voice of Jesus calling out to us from the shore, "My child!" 

Child. 

At the very beginning of his gospel, John reveals the depth of this name. He writes, "He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God" (John 1:12). To be called child by Jesus is to be reminded of who we are at our very core. As John later affirms, "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are" (1 John 3:1). 

The Lord calls us not by our transgressions, weakness, or failures, but by our name, by our place in His family. Indeed, He is truly loving, good, and kind. He sees our darkness and still He shines His light upon us. If we turn toward it, that light will always overcome. 

Food for thought or journaling ... 

What is your fishing boat? What do you return to when you are discouraged, doubting, confused, or feeling unworthy? 

Jesus, in the moments when I turn back to my fishing, may I hear Your voice calling me "child." May I recognize it, and may I have the boldness and humility of Saint Peter to leap out of my boat and swim toward You, even when I've fallen or denied You. Help me to believe that You only long to pour Your mercy out upon me and call me home. Give me the courage and the strength to embrace the mission You've entrusted to me. Let me trust that if You have called me, by Your grace, I am capable of fulfilling it.