Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
In all four gospel accounts, this is the only post-resurrection appearance of Jesus and his disciples in Galilee. Thomas and Nathanael are reintroduced to us. The “disciple whom Jesus loved”, as usual, recognizes the Lord sooner than Peter does. The sons of Zebedee are not named individually. Children was a term used by John’s community to address those who believed in Jesus.
The number 153 seems eminent. It has special properties. If one adds the digits from 1 through 17, the result is 153. If one multiplies 9 times 17, the result is 153. Some have said that the ancients knew only of 153 different kinds of fish in the sea. In modern architecture, the spires on the chapel at the Air Force Academy total 17, one ninth of 153.
Chapter 21 is probably an appendix to the first 20 chapters of John’ account. It serves the practical purpose of accenting the role of Peter in the Church, even after Peter’s death. John may have been the favorite apostle for his community, but John constantly gives way to Peter, especially after the resurrection of Jesus. John had come to the tomb first, but he entered the tomb after Peter. John recognized the Lord in this episode, but Peter jumps in ahead of everyone else. Later in this chapter, Jesus will give a special calling to Peter while John takes a lesser place. John seems to be telling his community to give their allegiance to Peter (or Peter’s successor) not to himself. Perhaps this is the message we need to hear.
The breakfast scene recalls the multiplication of the loaves and miraculous catching of fish we have read about in the public life of Jesus. It associates pre-resurrection episodes of fishing and eating with the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. It ties all the meals related in the gospels to the resurrection of Jesus and his presence to us Christians in our meals, especially in our eucharistic meals. Jesus had fish ready, but he invited Peter and his group to bring some of their fish so that the Lord shared his with theirs and they shared theirs with him. The same interaction and mutual exchange takes place in our eucharistic celebrations: the Lord takes what is ours, unites it with what is his, and shares his meal with us.