One hundred fifty-three large fish

“Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.” (JN 21: 10-11)

Many numbers used in the Bible are symbolic. St. Jerome claims that Greek zoologists had identified 153 different kinds of fish.  Simon Peter caught all of them, which shows the universality of the Church—sent to every corner of the world, to every nation, every tribe and family; no one is excluded. God’s grace is universal and is able to help all of us. We may be different; sometimes it is hard for us to understand each other; too often we are focused on our differences, not on our similarities, but because we are in the Church: “even though there were so many, the net was not torn.” In the Church we are secure, understood, unconditionally loved and always “caught” by Our Lord’s love. 

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.” (Gospel Acclamation)