'Children have you caught any fish?'

Jesus by the sea of Tiberius.

 -Brian Mendonca 

Jesus asks the disciples by the sea of Tiberius whether they have caught any fish.  This is the third time he reveals himself after his death - and they do not know him. (John 21:1-14)

This reading from the Gospel, placed in the octave of Easter (eight days after Easter) reminds us that Jesus always cared for his disciples.

After they failed to recognise him on the road to Emmaus, he again appears to them on the shoreline by the sea of Tiberius. Dawn is breaking. The disciples have sunk their nets the whole night, but have caught nothing. They have nothing to eat.

Jesus senses their anxiety and gently calls out to them saying, 'Children, have you caught any fish?' He then tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They do so and they have so much fish, they can barely haul it in.

Sometimes when we place too much value on our own efforts and nothing works, it is best to trust in the Lord.

Jesus prepares a charcoal fire 'with fish laid out on it, and bread.' He says simply, 'Come and have breakfast.' Jesus is full of concern that they are hungry. He feeds them as he fed the crowds with five loaves and two fish.

Again the disciples are afraid of asking Jesus who he is. They are slow to acknowledge what a vital part he plays in their lives.