Moments with the Gospel

Moments with the Gospel Icon

The Miracle Catch

When meditating on today’s Gospel Jn 21:1-14,    there were a couple of interesting ponderings I had which I would like to share with you in my moments with the Gospel.  Perhaps you may have wondered about these points too. Let’s explore.

1. Is it unusual not to catch any fish for professional fishermen?

For seasoned fishermen like the disciples (Peter, James, and John were professionals), it would be unusual to fish all night and catch nothing.

• The Sea of Galilee (also called Tiberias) was well known for being rich in fish.
• Fishermen in that region typically fished at night, when the fish rose to the cooler surface waters, making them easier to catch with nets.

So, a completely unfruitful night would have been deeply frustrating — and perhaps humbling — especially for skilled professionals. This sets the stage for the miracle: their own effort produced nothing, but at Jesus’ command, they experience abundance.

 

2. What side of the boat did they usually fish from? Was it unusual to fish on the starboard side in the light?

• Traditionally, fishing was done from the left side (port side) of the boat. Most fishermen were right-handed, and the rudder was on the starboard (right) side, making the port side more accessible for casting and hauling nets.
• Also, boats in ancient Galilee were relatively small and balanced for hauling nets on one particular side.

 Casting on the right (starboard) side in daylight would be unusual and even counterintuitive, especially after a night of no success.

This highlights:

• Obedience over experience.
• The miracle wasn't in the technique but in following Christ’s word — even when it defied logic or habit.

3. What does the number 153 represent?

The number 153 has invited centuries of interpretation. Here are the most well-known possibilities:

• A literal count: It may simply reflect the astonishing abundance — large fish, counted precisely, and the net not breaking. It shows the miracle's physical reality and eyewitness detail (John often includes exact figures).
• Symbolic interpretations:
• St. Jerome (4th century) noted that ancient naturalists believed there were 153 species of fish in the world — suggesting a symbol of the universal mission of the Church to "catch" all peoples.
• St. Augustine suggested it symbolizes perfection: 153 is the sum of the numbers 1 through 17 (a triangular number).
• 10 (representing the Ten Commandments) + 7 (gifts of the Spirit or completeness) = 17
• 1+2+3...+17 = 153
• Mystical interpretations also see the number as representing the fullness of God's work, unity, or the completeness of the Church.

 

Reflecting on these thoughts:

The openness after failure of the disciples is deeply moving. The night of emptiness prepared them for the morning of grace. What about my nights or even days of emptiness? Do they prepare me for grace?

The humble posture of the heart that says:

“I don’t understand this… but because You say so, I will.”

It echoes Luke 5:5, from the first miraculous catch:

“Master, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing — but at Your word, I will let down the nets.”

Here in John 21, the same Peter — older, maybe a little more weathered — doesn’t even say a word this time. He just obeys. That silence speaks volumes. Perhaps Peter had some nagging professional fishing thoughts, which would be natural.  However, even if he did, he did not argue the point or try to tell Jesus that his way was better, made sense or was the right way. He remained silent and obeyed.  Do  I keep silent and allow my Master to direct me? Do I obey?  This is a struggle street point for me I have to say.

The disciples did not defend their expertise is telling. Professional pride often resists divine instruction, but hunger and failure made space for faith.

You might even say:

• Empty nets can empty pride.
• And empty hands are ready to receive a miracle.

 

There are plenty of other aspects to this gospel to be considered. These were the moments I had with the Gospel this morning.   I hope that these moments might encourage the catch you need.