3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER (C)

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"

Jn 21: 1-19

GOSPEL EXPLANATION

Chapter 21 is an appendix of the Gospel of John and is probably the work of his disciples.

This story is similar to the miraculous catch of fish reported by St. Luke at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus (Lk 5:1-11).

The disciples moved by the word of the Risen Lord puts themselves to continue his mission and against all hope, were able to unite people from everywhere into the one and only community of Jesus, the Church.

153 fish. St. Jerome tells us that the ancients identify 153 species of fish. The mission of the disciples of Jesus is to gather all peoples into the Church.

The Catholic Church is universal. It is meant for all peoples. This is the meaning of ‘Catholic’ and is one of the marks of the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

The net stands for the church. It does not tear. Tear symbolizes for ‘schism’. The church remains one. That is why one of the marks of the Catholic Church is that is it one, that is, there is unity.

Breakfast. It is an allusion to the Eucharist as can be seen in the action of Jesus: “Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them,”

“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus does not claim that his love is superior to the love of the other disciples.

The three times that Jesus asked Peter the question “do you love me?” is evidently made in reference to the three denials made by Pete at the courtyard of the house of the High Priest.

Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep.

This command of Jesus signifies the unique role of Peter among the apostles and of the Pope among the bishops.

But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands….

Later Peter was martyred in Rome under emperor Nero. He was crucified but requested that he be crucified side down in deference to Jesus his master.

A church in Rome is called the Quo Vadis church to recall this beautiful story. It is found near the Catacombs of St. Callistus in Rome.