Why Saint Pius X is the Eclipser of Errors

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on August 23, 2017.

Pius X was an influential successor of St. Peter at the turn of the 20th century. Born Giuseppe Mechiorre Sarto in 1835, he lived near Venice, Italy. Coming from a poor family of ten children, Giuseppe acquired an education aided through his keen intellect and high moral character. Eventually, he rose the ranks of the Catholic Church and became supreme pontiff in 1903. He led the Church until 1914.

To be honest, my initial knowledge about Pius X was overshadowed by his predecessor and later successor bearing the same appellation—Pius IX and Pius XII. However, the more I read and learned about the sainted bishop the more I gained an appreciation for what he offered the Church.

Marian devotion

Following the tradition of his predecessor, Pius IX, Pius X held a strong devotion to Mary. He dedicated an entire encyclical on the Mystery of the Immaculate Conception. The Italian pope definitively declared the significance of Mary in Ad Dieum Illum Laetissimum,

His Mother most holy should be recognized as participating in the divine mysteries and as being in a manner the guardian of them, and that upon her as upon a foundation, the noblest after Christ, rises the edifice of the faith of all centuries (no. 5).

Pius X lauded the intercessory nature and power of Mary throughout this encyclical letter. Safeguarding and passing on the teaching of the Church, the Italian pope cited his predecessor’s clear and definitive language on the importance of Mary. “By this companionship in sorrow and suffering already mentioned between the Mother and the Son, it has been allowed to the august Virgin to be the most powerful mediatrix and advocate of the whole world with her Divine Son (Pius IX. Ineffabilis) (no. 13), wrote Pius X.

Emphasis on the Eucharist

Pius X’s love and admiration for the Blessed Mother ultimately helped him grow in closeness with Jesus. As a result, it should not be a surprise that the saint held a deep reverence and adoration for the Sacrament of the Eucharist. If Pius X’s pontificate could be summed up in a single theme it would be the promotion of Holy Communion to young people.

In his encyclical letter, Quam Singulari the Italian pope lowered the minimum age to receive the Eucharist to seven years old. The ancient church allowed for children to receive the sacraments of initiation at a young age. Pius X condemned the error that delayed children from receiving the body and blood of Jesus until age ten or sometimes not until the adolescent years.

On Holy Communion for Youth

Over time this practice dissipated and the age to receive the Eucharist was increased. The pope wasted no time in chastising the error which distinguished the age of reason between receiving Confession and Holy Communion. He boldly proclaimed in his encyclical,

The abuses which we are condemning are due to the fact that they who distinguished one age of discretion for Penance and another for the Eucharist did so in error. The Lateran Council required one and the same age for reception of either Sacrament when it imposed the one obligation of Confession and Communion.

Therefore, the age of discretion for Confession is the time when one can distinguish between right and wrong, that is, when one arrives at a certain use of reason, and so similarly, for Holy Communion is required the age when one can distinguish between the Bread of the Holy Eucharist and ordinary bread-again the age at which a child attains the use of reason (Quam Singulari).

Pius X unified the Catholic Church by lowering the age to seven for Holy Communion. Children acquire countless graces from this sacrament to ward off evil.

Today’s world is as challenging to raise a family in the faith perhaps as any time in history. I am grateful I will have the weapon of the Eucharist to help my children fight the spiritual battles they will face daily.

eclipse gif.gif

Clarity of Truth

This year’s feast day of St. Pius X coincided with the epic solar eclipse. This saint and stellar event both elicit curiosity and awe. Truth has a penchant for grabbing people’s attention. Pope Pius X’s encyclicals are loaded with truth as the Italian pope acted as a guardian of Christ’s teaching. He wrote in Ascendi Dominici Gregis a lengthy refutation of the various errors and heresies surrounding his time. Pius X found the root cause of the prevalent heresy of his time—Modernism. He detailed this in his encyclical letter,

According to this teaching Modernism]…it is inferred that God can never be the direct object of science, and that, as regards history, He must not be considered as an historical subject (Ascendi Dominici Gregis no. 6).

In other words, the Enlightened Man never intends for faith and science to intermingle or coexist. According to the Modernist, a harmony between the two sources of man’s knowledge of God is simply a moral machination on the part of the Catholic Church.

truth

From my experiences, the error of Modernity certainly eclipses truth [no pun intended!]. Creation is a revelation of God’s divine providence. Christianity is insistent that Christ became man. Knowledge through the senses is a path toward which God elects to reveal His grandeur. Amid cosmic events like the August 21st solar eclipse, humans grasp their small place in the universe. Despite our apparent insignificance, I’ve noticed that encountering God’s august nature can draw me closer to Him.

Wisdom from Pius to Guide Your Week

I discovered two concise quotes from St. Pius X to close my reflections on his life. The first concerns Mary [fun fact—the symbol of the Moon is traditionally associated with Her!] and the second relates to Christ—the true sun!

Of Mary he proclaimed, “ Let the storm rage and the sky darken — not for that shall we be dismayed. If we trust as we should in Mary, we shall recognize in her, the Virgin Most Powerful who with virginal foot did crush the head of the serpent.”

Regarding Jesus’ body and blood, the pope said, “Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven.”

Sadly, I did not get to experience the fullness of the solar eclipse of 2017. Darkness did cover the earth in my location, but clouds and storms prevented me from actually seeing the unique event of the moon aligning with the sun. I am blessed that I had an increased encounter with the true Sun—the Son of God. I am grateful for the gift of St. Pius X the Eclipser of Error who made Eucharist a priority for young people.

total-solar-eclipse

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The Power of Gratitude: Finding Strength and Perspective

June 23, 2023June 23, 2023 / chicoinematt / 4 Comments

Gratitude is a powerful force that shields us from negativity and fuels our spirits with renewed energy. In this blog post, we will explore the profound impact of gratitude on our lives. We’ll also look at and how Catholics draw inspiration from the sacrament of the Eucharist. Translated from the Greek word “Eucharista,” meaning Thanksgiving, the Eucharist embodies the concept of gratitude. We will dive into how practicing gratitude unburdens us from life’s struggles and cultivates a mindset that fosters empathy and recognizes the presence of God.

Gratitude as a Shield and Life Source

Gratitude acts as a shield against anxiety, depression, and despair, providing a defense against negative influences. It serves as our life source, sustaining us even on the most challenging days. Just as oxygen is vital for our physical well-being, gratitude nourishes our emotional and spiritual selves. By embracing gratitude, we fortify ourselves against the attacks of negativity and find solace in its uplifting power.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Within the Catholic faith, the sacrament of the Eucharist holds a central place. Interestingly, the word “Eucharista” in its Greek origin translates to Thanksgiving. This connection reveals the inherent significance of gratitude within the practice of the Eucharist. By participating in this sacrament, we engage in a profound act of giving thanks to God while also receiving His blessings.

Unburdening from Life’s Struggles

Practicing gratitude through the Eucharist and in our daily lives offers a means of unburdening ourselves from the weight of life’s struggles. The act of giving thanks to God helps us shift our focus away from our own troubles, allowing us to find solace and peace. By acknowledging and appreciating the blessings we receive, we cultivate a perspective that transcends entitlement and self-centeredness.

Gratitude and a Broadened Perspective

In contrast to entitlement, gratitude nurtures a mindset that expands our horizons and considers the perspectives of others. Entitlement often stems from pride, prioritizing oneself over others. However, gratitude opens our hearts to the experiences and viewpoints of those around us, fostering empathy and compassion. It allows us to recognize the presence of God in our lives and appreciate the interconnectedness of humanity.

Conclusion

Gratitude holds transformative power in our lives, acting as a shield against negativity while providing us with a source of sustenance. Through the sacrament of the Eucharist, we are reminded of the significance of giving thanks to God and receiving His blessings. By cultivating a grateful mindset, we unburden ourselves from life’s struggles and foster empathy, embracing a broader perspective. Let us remember the life-giving nature of gratitude and strive to express thanks in our daily lives, knowing that it connects us not only to others but also to the divine presence in our midst.

This is the Universal Antidote to Loneliness and Despair

June 17, 2023June 17, 2023 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on June 14, 2018.

Confusion, misunderstanding, strife, and conflict pervade our modern world. “Fake-news” recently become a moniker attached to popular United States media outlets. The human race seems to be more splintered and fractured now more than ever! Ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles declared this timeless truth, “Despair often breeds disease.” Viewing life from the singular optic of the self-perspective also leads to despair. I am most troubled and experienced hopelessness especially when my daily living is self-centered.

Loneliness is a Familiarity in Our World

According to the great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis, “Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” In high school I used to listen to Green Day when I ran for cross country practice. The song Boulevard of Broken Dreams had a catchy beat and was always on the top of my playlist. Not fully reflecting on the meaning of the lyrics, in hindsight the words hint at a forlornness that is sadly all too familiar in the modern world:

I walk a lonely road

The only one that I have ever known

Don’t know where it goes

But it’s home to me, and I walk alone

I walk this empty street

On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Where the city sleeps

And I’m the only one, and I walk alone

Despair Needs to be Slain Daily

Because of the incessant onslaught from our Adversary despair creeps into life each and every day. Satan wants you to give up. It’s important to remind yourself of how his frequent attacks. Being aware of our daily battle as humans and knowing our ultimate aim in this journey in life are excellent ways to help ward off despair.

Gratitude— A Shield Against Despair

Along with hope, being thankful daily is essential to combat devilish despair and pessimism. Saint Gianna Beretta Molla spoke of gratitude in this way, “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.” The days where I experience greater peace, joy, and contentment are the same days where I make a point to be thankful for the simple blessings. As a Catholic my faith life centers on the Eucharist. A few years ago, I discovered that the word Eucharist comes from the Latin Eucharisiai which translates as thanksgiving. The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324).

Tips to Battle Anxiety

Despair, worry, and anxiety sprung up on me suddenly several times this week. Usually it stems from hearing news that I perceived as bad, viewing it solely from my perspective, or possessing an entitled mindset. Giving myself a small five or ten minute break allowed me to reframe my mindset.

Reminding yourself to be thankful throughout the day is absolutely key to fending off despair and anguish. Martin Luther King Jr. declared, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” Times where I am angry or frustrated with my children or wife usually is not indicative of their behavior. Rather, it is an indictment on my attitude of ingratitude for the blessings that God bestowed on my daily. As a father, I need to be more thankful—promoting this mentality will flow to the rest of my family and create a culture of love and compassion.

We all come from different backgrounds, past, and family make-ups, but holds humanity together is our ability to be thankful daily! Let us start anew and don a thankful attitude to combat despair and loneliness.

“Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature. — Venerable Solanus Casey

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Embracing Corpus Christi: The Transformative Power of the Eucharist

June 7, 2023June 6, 2023 / chicoinematt

In a world marked by constant change, it is reassuring to find an unchanging source of love and nourishment. For Catholics, that source is the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of critically reading John 6 for Protestant conversions, delve into the profound beauty and power of the Eucharist, and discover the rich history behind Corpus Christi processions. We will also share a personal story that exemplifies the impact of this sacrament on the lives of believers.

The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6)

John 6 is vital to Corpus Christi, honoring Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist. It’s the Gospel reading for Corpus Christi Mass, emphasizing its central role.

In John 6:53, Jesus says, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you have no life.” These words challenge us to contemplate their deep meaning. By critically engaging, we recognize Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, a foundational belief.

Understanding the historical context of John 6 further strengthens our appreciation for the Eucharist. Early Christians interpreted Jesus’ words literally and embraced the real presence of Christ in this sacrament. Exploring the writings of early Church Fathers, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Justin Martyr, offers insights into the consistent understanding of the Eucharist throughout history.

Additionally, John 6 addresses the spiritual hunger that resonates with many individuals, including Protestants seeking a deeper encounter with Christ. The transformative power of the Eucharist is a source of nourishment for the soul, fulfilling our spiritual yearnings. Through this sacrament, we establish a unique connection with Jesus and experience the fullness of His presence.

As we celebrate Corpus Christi, the significance of John 6 resonates strongly. It invites us to critically reflect on the explicit language, historical context, and spiritual hunger addressed within this chapter. Through this contemplation, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist and embrace the Catholic belief in the real presence of Christ.

The Splendor and Power of the Eucharist

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 1374, “The mode of Christ’s presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as ‘the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend.’ In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.'” The Eucharist is not merely symbolic, but a profound reality where we encounter Jesus Himself.

Saint John Chrysostom beautifully captures the essence of the Eucharist when he says, “You do see Him. You do touch Him. You eat Him. He gives Himself to you, not only that you may see Him, but also to be your food and nourishment.”

The Eucharist is the most precious and powerful gift in the world. Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament nourishes us throughout life. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized this truth in a 2006 Corpus Christi homily. He said, “In the procession we follow this sign and in this way we follow Christ himself. And we ask of him: Guide us on the paths of our history! Show the Church and her Pastors again and again the right path! Look at suffering humanity, cautiously seeking a way through so much doubt; look upon the physical and mental hunger that torments it! Give men and women bread for body and soul!”

Corpus Christi Processions

A Tradition of Faith and Devotion: Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ” in Latin, is a celebration of the Eucharist that dates back to the 13th century. This feast was established to honor and adore the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. One of the most significant devotional practices associated with Corpus Christi is the procession.

Corpus Christi processions involve the public display and veneration of the Blessed Sacrament. They are a visible expression of faith, as believers gather to witness the Eucharist being carried in solemn procession through the streets. This practice began in response to the theological controversies surrounding the Eucharist, serving as a powerful affirmation of Catholic doctrine.

Sharing My Personal Eucharistic Experiences

My family’s personal encounter with the Eucharist has been transformative. Our youngest son, at the age of three, demonstrated an understanding and reverence for the Mass. During the Eucharistic Prayer, he would joyfully exclaim, “I see [the] Body of Christ. I want to get more Body of Christ!” Through his innocent proclamation, we gained a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Eucharist and the faith of children as powerful teachers.

This year, my family eagerly anticipates participating in the Corpus Christi procession. We will join fellow believers in embarking on a three-mile journey from Holy Spirit Church to Saint Lambert Parish. As we walk alongside others, united in faith and devotion, we will honor the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and proclaim our love for Him. In the words of Pope Francis on the Feast of Corpus Christi 2018, “The Eucharist is simple food, like bread, yet it is the only food that satisfies, for there is no greater love. There we encounter Jesus really; we share his life and we feel his love.”

Food for the Journey

The Eucharist, a precious and powerful gift, transforms hearts and fosters unity among Christians. By critically reading John 6, we deepen our understanding of this sacrament and its profound theology. Corpus Christi processions express our faith, reminding us of God’s unwavering love. As we journey in faith, let’s embrace the Eucharist with awe and gratitude. Jesus’ gift of His Body and Blood nourishes our souls and unites us with Himself.

3 Ways We Can Avoid Awkwardness and Apathy after the Ascension

May 18, 2023June 17, 2023 / chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on June 1, 2019.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 675, “Before Christ’s second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers.” This Sunday Catholics across the world will celebrate the feast of the Ascension. Until recently, this high feast was celebrated on a Thursday—forty days after Easter. From a traditional standpoint normally a 10 day period existed from Ascension to the Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. Regardless, of the precise days, the main point is that for a brief period, the Apostles and early disciples of Jesus lived in a transition period from when Jesus no longer visibly existed in the similar manner that he did previously and the official descent of the Holy Spirit.

Suffering from a severe dryness in my spiritual life this Easter season got me thinking: maybe I am in a transitory period myself whereby the descent of the Holy Spirit is not apparent in my life. I feel completely dried up—spiritually! Obviously, my situation is not exactly the same as the 1^st century Christians who had to live for an awkward [and maybe apathetic] period before the official reception of the Paraclete. Nevertheless, maybe your life is at a stage similar to that awkward week and a half—pondering the return of Christ, experiencing doubt in Divine Providence, or possibly even living in fear or distress. Reflecting on Acts 1-2 and wisdom from the tradition of the Church—through the Catechism and the saints—I came up with three methods [not really earth-shattering] to avoid awkwardness and apathy in your spiritual life in the days after the Ascension!

Drink from the Wellspring of Worship

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). I have probably cited this paragraph more than any other passage, yet it is vitally important to the Catholic faith. What sustained the Apostles in the early Church while waiting for the Paraclete? The body of and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of the Eucharist—it is the wellspring, the origin of worship!

Although Jesus’ physical existence did not appear the same after his Ascension, he is still present to the Apostles [and to us] body, blood, soul, and divinity in the sacrament of the Eucharist. St. Pope John Paul II mentioned the importance of this sacrament in his encyclical letter Ecclesia de Eucharistia, “Her [The Church] foundation and wellspring is the whole Triduum paschale, but this is as it were gathered up, foreshadowed and “concentrated’ forever in the gift of the Eucharist” (no. 5). During periods of spiritual dryness we may be able to sojourn to the spiritual oasis of the Mass.

Hail, Mary: Mother of Perpetual Help, Mother of Good Counsel

Josemaria Escriva declared, “Love our Lady. And she will obtain abundant grace to help you conquer in your daily struggle.” I imagine the days following Jesus’ Ascension was a perilous time for Peter and the rest of the Apostles. During the most confusing and perilous times in my life it appears that Jesus is not present—the most difficult days lands in the middle of the work week when I lack the time to attend daily Mass or ability to go to Eucharistic adoration. Here is where my devotion to Mary is key to sustaining me during the staleness of my spiritual life. Jesus augmented Mary’s motherhood in John 19:27 with a simple command, “Woman, behold your son!” This is a reciprocal relationship as a mere verse later Our Lord urged the Apostle John [who represented humanity both individually and collectively] with the charge: “Behold, your mother!”

From my own experience, I normally contact my mom first [when my wife is not available!] after an incredibly stressful and frustrating day. This is not to downplay the role of my father, but there is something unique, almost mysterious about the ability for mother to sooth children in need. The Blessed Virgin Mary is no different. Mother of Perpetual Help pray for us. Mother of Good Counsel pray for us.

Trust in the Holy Spirit

The great scientist Isaac Asimov once purported, “Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” While the first two points of his statement may be debatable, it is quite difficult to argue that turning points in life, no matter how large or small, pose a challenge for everyone. Transitioning from physically seeing the Resurrected Christ to the age of the Church would have been a tough transitory event as well!

Jesus prepared his followers of the coming of the Holy Spirit prior to his Passion, Death, and Resurrection. According to Christ in John 14:15-19, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate^* to be with you always, 17 the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.”

While the Holy Spirit did not formally descend upon the Apostles in the Upper Room until Pentecost Sunday, the power of the Holy Spirit allowed Jesus to be substantially present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. The Paraclete also guided Peter and the other Apostles in selecting a worthy replacement for Judas. Moreover, just before his Ascension Jesus repeated his promise to send another Helper to fortify his followers: “But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you,^g and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Hope Always Never Despair

Although you may in a spiritual dry spell [if not now you most certainly will encounter aridity and acedia—spiritual sloth– sometime in your life!], please do not despair. Hope is always on the horizon. Through the sacrament of the Eucharist, guide of Mary, and promise of the help of the Holy Spirit we receive strength and sustenance make it past any awkward and apathetic period in our spiritual journey. Never give up—hope in the Lord always!

The virtue of hope responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspire men’s activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude. Buoyed up by hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity (CCC 1818).

Related Links

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/why-celebrate-the-ascension

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/36152/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pentecost

Thank you for sharing!

How the Test of Happiness is Gratitude!

April 27, 2023April 27, 2023 / chicoinematt

thank you and gratitude

Editor’s Note: Post originally published on April 28, 2017.

This week I was researching for an article I am writing about G.K. Chesterton and I came across this gem of a quote from Chapter 4 of his work Orthodoxy. He states, “The test of happiness is gratitude.” There are few phrases that make me pause when I am reading and this was one of them. I have thought about this quote a lot today and figured it would be a good message to pass along.

Gratitude is defined as the quality of feeling or being thankful. Why a feeling may be arbitrary and susceptible to change “being” thankful has a more lasting feature to it. Because of this, I want to make this slight change to Chesterton’s quote—the test of happiness is [being] thankful!

Chick-fil-a Harnessed the Power of Gratitude

According to a recent article I read online about the success of the restaurant chain Chick-fil-a, the power of saying “thank you” is quite tangible. The main thrust of the article states that Chick-fil-a’s leadership stresses the importance of manners and expressing gratitude towards customers in their employee training. As an occasional customer of Chik-fil-a, I can attest to the superb customer service and appreciation among workers when I visit their establishment.

Thanksgiving and the Eucharist

“We must not separate our life from the Eucharist. The moment we do so, something shatters.” —Saint Teresa of Calcutta

On a more profound level, the Catholic Church has been proclaiming Chesterton’s message “The Test of Happiness is Gratitude” for over 2,000 years. In fact the most important thing Catholics participate in on a weekly or daily basis— the Mass— is centered on thanksgiving! The sacrament of the Eucharist, housed within the Mass, along with being the source and summit of the Catholic faith, actually is a transliteration of the Greek word eucharistia which means “thanksgiving”. I always come out of Mass being happier than when I came in. It is nice to have a reminder of thankfulness to re-orient myself if I stray away from this mindset during the week.

I believe that the connection between being thankful and the Catholic Mass and the success of Chick-fil-a is not a coincidence. God knows that mankind can only be truly happy when experiencing life as a gift. So to conclude, I want to thank all that have read my posts and for anyone who is reading my writing for the first time. I thank God for my faith, family, and friends. I hope you find at least three things to be thankful of today after reading this. Thank you again!

Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Miracle: The Symbolism of Grilled Fish in John 21:1-14

April 25, 2023April 24, 2023 / chicoinematt

bacon

Editor’s Note: Post originally published May 9th, 2017.

Whenever someone utters the words “breakfast” and “Sunday mornings” together, I immediately picture sizzling bacon, fresh orange juice, crisp toast covered in butter or jelly, and chocolate covered, glazed, or cake donuts. Besides the old adage that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, the reason I bring this topic up is because I was reading through John’s Gospel and I came across a peculiar event that I never truly paid attention to—Jesus grilling!

The Symbolism of Jesus Grilling Fish: A Deeper Look at John 21:1-14

According to John 21:1-14, Jesus appeared to the apostles at the Sea of Tiberias and he is watching them fish. Whether the fourth gospel writer intended to or not I think it is interesting that the miracle of the great catch of fish mirrors a similar miraculous haul in Luke 5:1-11. In John’s version, Peter and the other disciples do not initially recognize Jesus, while in Luke’s account, Jesus had already chosen the apostles.

I believe Jesus’ post-Resurrection miracle in John is a perfected version of the Lucan fish phenomenon because according to Luke 5:6 the apostles nets started to tear in contrast to John 21:11 which states, “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.”

Upon the apostles arrival at the shore, Jesus says, “Come, have breakfast (John 21:12). With these words the apostles recognized the identity of Jesus. Along with the fish, Jesus took the bread and gave it to them as well. Together with the Emmaus episode in Luke 24:13-35 the taking of bread is a sign of the celebration of the Eucharist!

jesus grilling

The Meaning of the 153 Fish Caught

Upon rereading the previous verses about the 153 fish caught, I discovered that this number represents the apostles’ universal mission, according to commentary. St. Jerome claimed that Greek zoologists catalogued 153 species of fish, and John uses fish to symbolize men. This realization highlights our calling to bring lapsed Catholics and non-Catholics to Christ. The apostles’ catch of 153 fish represents bringing all types of men to Jesus. We can only partake of the Eucharistic food after we reconcile with the rest of humanity. Like the apostles we’re invited to a morning meal (in the form of the Mass) with Jesus after their symbolic haul of humanity.

God appears to us in peculiar ways so the next time I am eating breakfast on Sunday morning, maybe I will suggest grilled fish to my wife [we recently bought an outdoor grill]! Be always open to God’s plan no matter how fishy it sounds…or smells.

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