The catching of fish at the call and the eating of baked fish at the resurrection

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 24:35-48*

*First Reading :Acts 3:11-26*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9*

*The catching of fish at the call and the eating of baked fish at the resurrection*

*1) From Mission to Fulfillment*

*Call* (Luke 5:1–11 / John 1:35–42): 

Jesus calls fishermen and says, *“From now on you will fish for people.”* 

The abundant catch of fish is symbolic of the fruitfulness their lives will have in following Him.

*Resurrection* (Luke 24:42-43 / John 21:1–14):

After the resurrection, Jesus eats fish with them—a sign that the mission has borne fruit, and fellowship is restored.

Catching of the fish, culminates in Eating. It symbolizes the accomplishment of the mission 

The journey of discipleship begins with a call and ends with communion

*2) God Provides—Then and Now*

At the beginning, Jesus helps them catch fish after a night of failure.

At the end, He not only helps them catch again (John 21) but already has fish prepared for them.

In both moments, Jesus is the provider. 

The disciples’ success isn’t in their skill, but in their obedience and closeness to Him. 

God provides in the mission field, and He prepares a table in the wilderness.

*3) Discipleship Is Sustained by Christ*

The catching of fish represents the work of ministry—labor, outreach, evangelism.

The eating of fish with Jesus represents rest, communion, and fulfillment—a time to be nourished.

We are not just called to work for Jesus, but to be with Him. 

He does not leave His disciples tired and hungry—He feeds them. 

In our busyness for God, we must not miss God Himself.

*4) The Reality of the Resurrection*

This act—Jesus eating baked fish—confirms the bodily resurrection of Christ. 

He wasn't a ghost or vision; He was physically present. By eating, He demonstrates that His body, though glorified, is real and tangible. 

This counters any idea that the resurrection was merely spiritual or symbolic.

*5) Jesus Meets Us in the Ordinary*

Food is such an ordinary thing, and yet here, Jesus uses it to reveal profound truth. 

He sanctifies the everyday, showing us that the sacred can be found in simple acts—like sharing a meal. 

It’s a reminder that Jesus enters into the ordinary rhythms of our lives to reveal His presence.

*6) An Invitation to Faith*

This act was for the disciples' benefit—to help them believe. 

Jesus meets their doubts with evidence, but He also invites them to move from fear to faith.

Like the disciples, we’re often slow to believe, and Jesus patiently reveals Himself to us

*7) Echoes of the Eucharist*

The meal with the risen Jesus carries Eucharistic overtones. 

Just as Jesus broke bread before the crucifixion, He now shares fish—simple food with deep meaning.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*