The passage today from John’s Gospel is known as the “Johannine Appendix”. The narrative proper obviously ended with the previous chapter, but the material here is clearly part of the tradition, so is included in the text.
We have the appearance of Jesus to seven male disciples in Galilee and a miraculous catch of fish after obeying Jesus’ instructions, in spite of all the previous evidence, the first part culminating in a Eucharistic meal shared by the risen Jesus and his disciples. We find the catch of fish elsewhere in the Gospel story during the ministry of Jesus, and Peter’s getting out of the boat and walking across the water, at least to begin with, which is used to teach a lesson to those who hear or read it.
The mention of the “charcoal fire” reminds us of the earlier scene in the palace of the high priest, where Peter is put on the spot and denies knowing Jesus. In the longer form of today’s Gospel, he is now offered the chance to redeem himself and cancel out his threefold denial by a threefold declaration of love for Jesus. It may be that Jesus is asking Peter whether Peter loves him more than he loves the other disciples. Once Peter has made that clear, then Jesus gives him the pastoral care of the flock. The mention of sheep and shepherding is an echo of Jesus’ teaching about the model (or good) shepherd which we found previously in the Gospel. Jesus is always to be the pattern and ideal of leadership among the disciples. After indicating Peter’s fate, Jesus issues once again his command “Follow me”, which is a term for being a disciple.
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REFLECT
One of the points which we might take from our Gospel reading today is the depicting of the risen Jesus present among his disciples in a Eucharistic context. He shares a meal with them, composed of bread and fish, the elements of celebration in the early community.
The thoughtful redeeming of Peter is another point for reflection: his nervous and frightened assertion in the high priest’s residence at Jerusalem that he and Jesus are not acquainted is cancelled out by his clear declaring of his love for Jesus, which exceeds his love for anyone else. As a result, he is appointed shepherd of Jesus’ flock, leader of the disciples.
It may be worth reflecting on the nature of leadership in the Church today. The model leader is Jesus. His appointed successor is Peter, a flawed individual whose weaknesses are clearly manifest, but who is chosen by Jesus all the same. There is no hint of infallibility about Simon. Nor is there any suggestion that he is in a position of power over anyone else. Jesus’ teaching about himself being the good (or model) shepherd emphasises his willingness and preparedness to give his life for the members of the flock. Peter’s commission as leader is also linked to sacrifice. That is the cost of his discipleship; perhaps that is the model for our leaders today as well.
learn
- John Chapter 21 is known as the “Johannine Appendix”.
- This passage is set in Galilee; the other appearances of the risen Jesus take place in Jerusalem.
- This section has always been attached to the text of the Gospel.
- Peter’s rehabilitation is the prelude to his being appointed shepherd of Jesus’ flock.
do
When the priest and ministers come to distribute communion, think how the risen Jesus is present among us when we celebrate the Eucharist together.