Abundance – Reflection on John 21:1-14
John’s scriptural passage seems to provide numerous metaphors for us. Have you ever considered returning to your old ways because Jesus’s presence seemed distant? This darkness, which is known as spiritual abandonment, affected even Peter. Peter has previously seen Jesus Glorified in the Upper Room. Why does Peter appear to return to fishing instead of telling everyone about a resurrected Jesus? Does that mean Jesus wants us to see ourselves sometimes as Peter a weakened disciple? Perhaps He does as John gives us a metaphor using Peter putting on clothes when he knows Jesus is present. Jesus fills Peter spiritually, confidentially, and precisely with numerous fish (no doubt as another metaphor for Grace) without breaking the (our) net. Like Peter, the ups and downs of a spiritual life are expected. When naked in the darkness, we must sometimes reach deep to remember that we can put on the cloak of Christ’s robe. We will again receive and share in the abundance like Peter.
Christ Appears on the Shore of Lake Tiberias by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 21:1-14 – Scripture*
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. 2 Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
9 When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 21:1-14 Reflection – Abundance.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 21 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Abundance
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