153
(UNIVERSALITY OF THE CHURCH)
The number 153 appears in the Gospel of John during the miraculous catch of fish by seven apostles with the guidance of the Risen Lord: “Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn” (Jn 21:11).
Interpretations and Meanings
1. Representation of Fullness and Inclusivity
– Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s Interpretation:
– Hundred: Represents fullness and the Gentiles.
– Matthew 18:12: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?”
– Genesis 26:12: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.”
– Matthew 13:8: “But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
– Fifty: Represents the remnant of Israel that God would gather:
– Jeremiah 23:3: “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.”
– Three: Represents the Holy Trinity.
2. Symbol of Salvation through Obedience and Grace
– Saint Augustine’s Interpretation:
– The number 153 is the sum of the numbers 1 through 17 (1 + 2 + 3 + … + 17 = 153).
– Ten Commandments: The moral law given by God.
– Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
– Isaiah 11:2-3: “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
– This suggests that salvation comes through obedience to God’s laws and the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
3. Universality of the Church
– Saint Jerome’s Interpretation:
– According to Saint Jerome, there were 153 species of fish in the lake. So, the number shows all kinds of people in the world whom the disciples would accommodate in the church. Thus this number represents the universality of the Church, symbolizing the Church’s mission to reach all types of people worldwide.
REFLECTION
The number 153 in the miraculous catch of fish holds deep symbolic meaning for Christians, emphasizing the following messages:
1. Inclusivity of God’s Kingdom:
– The 153 fish symbolize the universality of Christ’s mission. The Church is called to welcome all people, regardless of their background or origin, into the fold of Christ. This reflects the fullness and inclusiveness of God’s grace.
2. Unity in Diversity:
– Just as the catch contained various types of fish, the Church is made up of diverse members. This diversity should be celebrated, and Christians are called to unity, reflecting the unity of the Holy Trinity.
3. Obedience and Blessing:
– The number 153 also represents those who attain salvation by obeying God’s commandments and living by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It encourages Christians to follow God’s laws and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
4. The Mission of the Church:
– The disciples’ miraculous catch, facilitated by Jesus, reminds Christians of their mission to evangelize. By relying on Christ’s guidance, believers can bring many into the Church.
5. The Remnant and Restoration:
– The number also signifies the remnant of Israel and the Gentiles being gathered into one fold, symbolizing God’s promise to restore and bless His people.