My Thoughts on 09/04/2021

For some years I would say, when preaching on today’s gospel, that when John tells us there were one hundred and fifty-three big fish in the net that Simon Peter hauled in, that the figure 153 represented the total number of species of fish that were known at the time of writing. In other words Peter and the church would encompass all nations. But this is just an interpretation. The truth remains that our mission as a church is to all people.

In this story, the disciples worked all night but caught nothing. But once their took direction for Jesus, the Word of life, their catch was overwhelming. “It was light by now and there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. Jesus called out, ‘Have you caught anything, friends?’ And when they answered, ‘No’, he said, ‘Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.’ So they dropped the net, and there were so many fish that they could not haul it”

When it is dark all around us and our missionary work seems fruitless may we hear your Word, O Lord. Guide us in your way.

Canon Father Anthony Charlton
Canon Father Anthony CharltonParish Priest