Old fish, new fish…

James Cathcart May 07, 2025 3 2

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John 21: 9-14 (NIVUK)

9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

10 Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Fish, smoke, laughter. Crackle and reek. 

It’s a familiar crackle and reek. Of sighing men and sighing wood blistering under the heat.

It’s the crackle and reek of a simple meal on the shore, like hundred shared before between them. But now amongst the calloused, charcoal smudged hands, there are nail wounds, and lash marks.

Crackle and reek, chuckle and eat. And where did these fish come from? These ones already cooking on the fire, before the nets were dragged ashore. Peter’s mind goes to a boy, a half-remembered face holding some small loaves and a few fish. A grinning impish face, holding baskets and baskets of food. He finds himself looking for that boy amongst the men. 

Jesus eyes him questioningly, wondering what he’s looking for. And Peter turns away, away from the fire, from the warmth, away from Christ. It’s hard to meet his eye. But then something draws him back, makes him turn.

Crackle and reek.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus

You invite us to warmth and crackle and reek and fondness 

even in the midst of the mindbogglingly new 

you bring comfort and familiarity.

You are not a strange Lord, cryptic and uncanny

You’re Our Jesus

Who knows us 

And loves us

And makes space for us.

Amen.