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When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the
disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them,
“Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him,
“No.” So 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. John 21:4–6
Recall the first time there was a miraculous catch of fish in the
Gospels. In Luke 5:1–7, Jesus was preaching to the people on the
shore from where He sat in Peter’s boat just a short distance away.
After preaching, Jesus told Peter, “Put out into deep water and
lower your nets for a catch.” Peter did so and there was such a
large catch of fish that the Apostles needed help to haul it
in.
In today’s Gospel, some three years later after the Resurrection,
Jesus appeared to the disciples from the shore and instructed them
to cast their nets “over the right side of the boat.” They did so
and caught 153 large fish. In commenting on these two passages,
Saint Augustine teaches that the first miraculous catch was a sign
that the Gospel would be preached to all people, which is indicated
by Jesus simply saying “lower your nets.” But after the
Resurrection, Jesus specifically tells the disciples to cast their
nets “over the right side” to indicate that grace is now given to
those who stand on His right side and are separated from the
condemned who are on His left. Thus, this second miraculous catch
symbolizes the end of the age when the good and the bad are
judged.
Saint Augustine also notes that the 153 large fish, caught off the
right side of the boat, are a symbolic representation of those who
conform not only to the Ten Commandments but also receive the Seven
Gifts of the Holy Spirit by grace. He explains that 10 + 7 = 17 and
if you add all the numbers together between 1 and 17 you arrive at
153. Thus, these 153 fish represent everyone who receives His gift
of grace and obtains salvation. The boat represents the Church, and
the gift of salvation is offered by Christ through His
Church.
One clear message we must take from Saint Augustine’s
interpretation is that grace and mercy are offered to all, but not
received by all. At the end of our lives and at the end of the
world, judgment will take place. Those who responded to the offer
of grace and mercy, repented of their sins and gave their lives to
Christ will eternally share in the Resurrection. But those who
refused to follow His Commandments and closed themselves to the
transforming power of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit will be
separated from eternal joys.
Facing the reality of hell is not pleasant, but it is a message
that must not be ignored. It is a message that is real and,
therefore, hell is a possibility for us all. Therefore, it is
important to remind ourselves from time to time of this spiritual
truth. Are you among those 153 large fish found on the right side
of the boat? Do you allow the ministers of Christ within the
Church, represented by the disciples in the boat, to draw you to
Christ through preaching and the Sacraments? Though all of us might
quickly answer “Yes” to that question, we should never fail to be
attentive to the fact that salvation requires action on our part.
It requires that we accept Christ Jesus by following His
Commandments and live by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit
as it is dispensed by the Church.
Reflect, today, upon the symbolism found in this Resurrection
account. Consider the fact that the Gospel has, indeed, been shared
with you. Have you listened to the Word of God as it is preached by
the Church? Do you immerse yourself in the grace given through the
Sacraments? Do you follow the Ten Commandments faithfully? Do you
continually open yourself to the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Seek to be among that catch of fish caught on the “right side.”
Never doubt that hell is real and possible. For that reason, never
waver from your fidelity to Christ, so that you will remain firmly
grounded in His grace and share one day in His Resurrection.
My resurrected Lord, You have offered Your grace and mercy to
all, but not all have responded. I pray that I will always be among
those who continually respond to Your invitation. I repent of my
sin, dear Lord. Please help me to stay faithful to Your commands of
love and to be daily immersed in Your transforming Spirit. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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