This little poem first appeared in Christian Century magazine, in 2015, I believe. Again, it is a dive into a New Testament passage that has long resonated with me. This one, John 21: 1-17. The scene is post-ressurection; Jesus has appeared several times to the disciples, and an obviously confused Peter resorts to what he knows best, what is a constant in his life: he goes fishing. Some of the other disciples join him in the boat and they go out on the sea of Galilee, but catch nothing all night. At dawn they see a man on the shore but don’t recognize him right away. The man tells them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat and they will be successful. They do so, and the catch is so great they can’t haul in the net. The un-named disciple whom Jesus loved understands and tells the others it is Jesus. Hearing this, in a vivid description of devotion, Peter dives overboard and swims to shore, the others soon following. They find the man tending a small fire and cooking fish on a grate. What a scene! He invites them to add some of their catch to the breakfast. Jesus is grilling fish at dawn on the beach for his friends. How wonderful; how very mundane. The scene culminates in the famous “Feed my sheep,” admonition. The poem speaks from Peter’s point of view.
The Skinny Island Post 
Another fascinating aspect of the passage is the specificity of the number of fish caught:153
Yes! Such a wonderful, specific detail.
Oh, and the fact that not only is the King of the Jews sitting there, making breakfast, but the very Creator of the entire world; the actual King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and only holding his robe to his throat to signify his majesty and excellence.
But he who is great among you must be your servant.
That is such a powerful symbol there. You caught so much in that cloak, for which the Romans will gamble to own, once He is gone.
And the blowing upon the embers… the breath of life that all of us have within us.
Simon, do you love me? Feed my sheep.
You know, like I am doing, right now. Feed them.
Yep.
Great poem! I can feel the early morning chill of that very place. The sun comes up exactly as you have described it. The ribbon of dawn, first pink, then an intensely bright orange. And smoked herring and goat cheese for breakfast.
Simon, do you love me? Simon Peter.
Simon was said to means fool in Hebrew.
It is on Lake Tiberias, also known as the Sea of Galilee, near our residence, the Mount Moriah Hotel (now the Hotel Leonardo Tiberias is sources are correct). We even took the boat out on the water, and indeed, on so vast a shoreline, Jesus would not be very recognizable from any distance out.
Peter (house of Pete) )and a number of the other lived at the North end of the lake in Capernaum, or Caphar Nahum, which some speculate might be the house of Nahum, the OT prophet; others deny.
Near toTabgha, of course, where they fed the multitude.
Good morning, Sam, I am happy to be one of Barbara’s club friend…… To set up an account to be able to sign on with your postings, I opened up the WordPress account, but apparently, the user name anonaruth appears when I wish to comment on your postings. I am having difficulties changing that user name, so just know it is me!!! Sharon Willis…. ..email Sharonswillis@yahoo.com I am really enjoying The Skinny Island Post, and your stories……..have just started reading. Barbara, thank you for your thoughts re the Cuba stories…..am hoping to read today. Thanks again….. Shar
Thanks, Sharon. Glad you’re enjoying my humble ramblings.