Today is Day 52 of our reflections on the Gospel of John.  Thanks so much for joining us!  Find us on our website at www.markandkatiemartinez.com.

A Reflection on John 21:9-14

“And although there were so many, the net was not torn.” (v 11)

A hundred and fifty-three fish. This is the number of known types of fish in Jesus’ time. It is a number that symbolizes completeness. The full net of the apostles is telling us something about the Kingdom of God.

The Father’s net is deep and wide and strong. By sending His Son into the world, He has cast His net over it. In His time on earth, Jesus began hauling in the catch. Each and every person is in the range of that net, and it is strong enough to hold them all. Though the multitude is enormous and varied, the net will not be torn. He can carry each of us back to the Father’s house.

But we will not be carried to heaven against our will. We have a choice. Oftentimes, we imagine the net to feel restricting. We only see that we are caught, and an inner voice urges us toward “freedom.” It says that if we stay, we cannot do all the things we want to do, and we believe it. Like our first parents, Adam and Eve, we doubt the goodness of God and we rebel. But if we truly listened to our hearts’ desire, we would realize that in His arms is exactly where we want to be. True freedom is only found in the arms of the Father.

How can this be? How can we find true freedom under what feels like a restraint? The answer is trust. We must trust that God is who He says He is: a God of Love and Mercy, a God who keeps His promises, a God who wants the absolute best for us. As we practice trusting God, the feeling of restraint will gradually be replaced with a freedom found within. The peace of God will replace the fear, and we will be able to relax in the arms of the One who loves us best. We, in turn, will cast our nets as we desire to share this peace, joy, and freedom.

And in that glorious moment when we will be joined as one bride to the Bridegroom, Jesus, we will look with joy upon those who are with us. We will see the abundant and unique grace of God given to each one, and we will praise Him for all eternity, for the net was not torn.

Prayer: Oh God, I praise you! I praise you for pouring Your grace and mercy out over the whole world. May I do my part in receiving Your gift, trusting in Your holy will and sharing Your grace and mercy with those in my care that we may be united together in heaven with You. Amen.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.