When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. (Jn 21:9-14)
Breakfast by the Sea is one of my favorite Resurrection appearance stories. It’s an extra chapter that’s been added to the Fourth Gospel. And it is definitely Eucharistic . . . recalling the loaves and fishes story of the Gospel. But how tender the invitation . . . “Come, have breakfast.” All those early morning Eucharists in the church, and it was the Risen Lord inviting us: “Come, have breakfast.”
