But the disciples still remained in Galilee. And on a certain occasion they went a-fishing on the sea of Tiberias, seven of them, and through the whole night caught nothing. But when it was morning, the Lord again appeared to them, standing on the sea-shore. Now observe what took place, for it is a scene full of beauty. Whereupon, the Lord inquired, if they had taken anything, and they answered, No. Then said He, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.”1 They did so, therefore, and enclosed a great multitude of fishes. Then said John to Peter, “It is the Lord.” Then Peter, being naked, girt himself with his coat, and hastily cast himself into the sea to come to Him, but the others drew the boat to shore. And when they had landed, they saw a fish laid upon hot coals, and bread made ready for them, for the Lord had prepared it. Then He made them eat of the fish which had been taken and roasted, and, eating with them, He celebrated a joyful festival and banquet with them on the shore ; and with His accustomed humility served them, handing them bread and breaking it, and doing the same with the fish. And they stood reverently by Him — these seven disciples — with great joy in the companionship of their Lord, eating with Him, beholding His beautiful and joyous countenance, and exulting in their hearts ; they receive from His most sacred Hands this agreeable food, and are refreshed not less spiritually than bodily. O what a feast is this ! Regard well every circumstance, and, as far as may be, be nourished with them. Attend, however, to what follows, for it is full of beauty and interest. For when this solemn feast was ended, the Lord says to Peter, “Lovest thou Me more than these ?”2 And Peter answers, “Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee;” whereupon the Lord says to Him, “Feed my lambs,” etc. Thus, thrice questioning him, He committed to him His flock. In which act, consider the wonted kindness, charity, and humility of the Lord. You see clearly how diligently and affectionately He impresses upon and reiterates to Peter this charge, committing souls to his care.
After this, the Lord foretold to Peter His death, saying, “When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself,” etc. ; signifying that by the suffering of the cross He should glorify God And when Peter inquired about John, “What shall this man do ?”3 the Lord replied, “If I will that he tarry till I come,” — that is, “I will that he shall not follow Me by the way of suffering, but that he shall rest in an old age and in contemplation.” But the other disciples gathered from this that he should not die ; but such would be no great favour, since it is better to depart and be with Christ You have seen how many, and how great things were done and said at this appearance. After this the Lord disappeared from their sight, and in the usual way returned, no doubt, to the Holy Fathers. But the disciples remained with great joy, and afterwards returned to Jerusalem, etc.
← Chapter 94 · Contents · Chapter 96 →