THE NET IS A SYMBOL OF THE CURCH

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THIS is all symbolical. It is for this reason that John included the number of 153 fishes in the Gospel. Peter became, later on, the Master Fisher of men, when Jesus declared to him: “You are Peter and upon this rock I shall build my Church.”

The net, being a strong net, which can hold all the types, kinds, species of fishes, is the Church . The Church is ready to embrace each and every one within her folds. Being of the best kind possible, it will never get torn.

We recall when Jesus asked Peter: “Simon, Bar-Jonah, do you love me ?”  We know that Bar means ’son of’, till that point in time, Jesus was addressing his friend by his family name, Simon son of Jonah. Later on He would change his name to fit his Mission, from Simon to Peter, Petra, Petrus means rock, as he was to be the rock on which Jesus was to found His Church.

But let us turn our attention to the fact that Jesus asked the same question over again to Simon Bar Jonah. Maybe some might say that Jesus must have been rather bold, putting the same question  … and of all the people to whom, to Simon. Because we know his character, he was a bit hyper, as we say today, he had  lot of bravado, one who could never count hundred before speaking, not even ten.

Now he is being tested by his Master. Finally Simon, who must have realized the reason behind this testing answered: “You know I love you, You know everything.” The key word is “EVERYTHING”. Certainly Jesus knew everything, Jesus remembers the three denials of Simon.  Maybe, before promoting him, Jesus wanted to give him a chance to make amends, to take back and swallow his words, his denials.

Another point worth considering in this dialogue, between Jesus and Simon, is; what did Jesus actually have in mind when asking these questions. “Simon, do you love more than these?” When mentioning the word ‘these’, was Jesus pointing with His finger, at the fishing nets, at the boat, or at the catch ? Was Christ meaning that Simon had to abandon all his work and interests to follow Him ?

                                        

Conversely was the word ‘these’ intended to mean the other apostles ? Was Jesus referring to that incident when Simon exclaimed: “Lord, if everyone abandons you, I will not”  (Matthew 26 / 33) Was Jesus being graceful and showing mercy on Simon and giving him the chance, the occasion to take back what he had declared, a declaration which he had not honoured ?

Simon had committed himself totally when he declared that he loved Jesus. A commitment of love means committed responsibility, ready to sacrifice oneself, at all costs. This means that Peter was now responsible to feed His lambs, to take charge, defend, teach and even give up his life for the fold. To love is a privilege, and to share your love with others the sum of love itself.

Love that is not shared, passed on, shown to others is not Love. Self-centred love is not love. That is egoism. Peter gave his final proof of his love for the Master, when he suffered martyrdom.

One last thought about Peter. Certain Schools of Thought say why was not John chosen to be the Head of the Church, considering that John was the ‘beloved one ‘ of Jesus, he was of superior intelligence, his version of the Gospel is eagle-wise, it soars to great heights in Theological study.

Or, others contend, why not Paul, another wise and intelligent apostle, a man who travelled far and wide, he was responsible for the conversion of many a gentile, a man of strong words and arguments. He would have made an excellent leader of the Church.

Yet, Jesus chose Peter, a simple fisherman, with no academic qualifications, who, maybe lacked the wit and intelligence of both John and Paul, a Man who certainly did not experience travelling as his friend Paul did. To add insult to injury, Peter, once denied Jesus …BUT, surely Jesus, had, and still has, great admiration for those that fall, that sin, those that err …BUT can repent. And what better example can we have if not the figure of Peter, a picture of simplicity. After all, that is just what the potter does, he breaks down the clay pot, rebuilds it, according to his aim, add chippings from the old pot, and presents us with e new product. We have to empty ourselves completely and let HIM fill us with His Spirit … after all Paul himself said it: “Not I live, but Christ lives in me.”

“O Lord, take me in your hands, mould me anew, make me a new person, a new creation to fit your Divine Plan for me. Ignore all academic qualifications, all ability to organize and plan ahead, ignore all my previous experiences, make me as humble as a lamb, as innocent as a child, take me as I am and make me fit to your original blue print, till I become worthy of being your servant. Amen”