Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 25 April ’25. The Garment around the Waist

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 25 April ‘25

Easter Octave – Friday

Acts 3:11–26. Luke 24:35–48

The Garment around the Waist

After Jesus’ death, which the apostles had considered a failure, they begin to return to their former occupations. Simon Peter says, “I am going fishing,” and the others respond, “We will go with you.”

Jesus, who had once called them saying, “I will make you fishers of men,” now sees those same disciples setting out once again to catch fish instead of people.

Why did Peter go back?

(a) Despair: Peter might have thought, “We believed He was the Messiah, the one to free us from Roman rule. But He died a shameful death…” Peter might have been disappointed-

(b) Anger: Anger towards the enemies who caused Jesus’ death might have turned Peter away from dealing with people.

(c) Guilt: Peter had denied Jesus three times. The weight of guilt might have crushed him into thinking he was no longer worthy to be called a disciple.

In today’s Gospel, we read about Jesus’ third appearance to the disciples after the Resurrection. Peter declares he’s going fishing, perhaps because he saw himself unworthy of ministry. Or maybe it was his way to release his grief, guilt, or self-disappointment.

But they catch nothing.

Then comes a voice from the shore: “Cast your net on the right side of the boat.”

When they catch a large number of fish, John says to Peter, “It is the Lord.”

From here, Peter’s response unfolds in three symbolic steps:

(1) He Ties a Garment Around His Waist. Peter, who had stripped for work (like any fisherman), wraps himself with his garment and jumps into the sea. This detail recalls the shame Adam and Eve felt when they sinned and realized their nakedness. Guilt often makes us feel exposed. But the presence of the Risen Jesus covers Peter’s nakedness, and gives him dignity again. He clothes himself.

(2) He Swims Toward Jesus Before the boat even reaches the shore, Peter dives into the sea and swims toward Jesus.This is his final “immersion” in water—symbolic of baptism, repentance, and renewal. It’s as though Peter is allowing the water to cleanse his past, perhaps representing the tears of sorrow he has shed.

From now on, he will no longer return to fishing for fish, but only to catching people.

(3) He Pulls the Net Ashore When Jesus says, “Bring some of the fish you just caught,” Peter climbs aboard and brings the net to shore.

In Christian symbolism:

The boat represents the Church.

The shore represents the Kingdom fulfilled.

The fish represent the believers caught in the net of faith.

Peter’s guilt is now transformed into responsibility. He is now ready to lead.

What Does This Passage Teach Us?

We all fail and fall. But Jesus’ presence clothes our shame and restores our dignity.

The water symbolizes our baptism and tears of repentance.

The meal of bread and fish hints at the Eucharist, where our bond with Jesus is renewed.

Jesus, here, understands human disappointment and hunger. He speaks with warmth:

“Children, have you caught anything?”

“Come and have breakfast.”

He doesn’t scold. He knows well the pain of human hunger and failure—because He took on our flesh.

So, better than imagining Him far off as divine, it is healthier to keep Him near as human.

Today’s Spiritual Practice:

Ask yourself: What is the weakness in me that makes me feel spiritually naked?

Am I ready to wrap a garment around my waist and return to Jesus?

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy