John 21:9

THE MIRACULOUS BREAKFAST Emblem of the eternal banquet, John 21:9-14.

9. Fire of coals They did not make the fire, but found it already made by the divine power of Jesus. But was this a creation out of nothing? We reply: It may have been but a sensible miracle. That is, the divine power may have so operated upon the senses of the disciples as that all the phenomena of fire and food may have been presented to their perceptions without any positive creation of substance. It would have been to them but a waking vision, taking place amid surrounding realities, possessing all the vividness and force of reality. Or, more probably the divine power of the Lord, which had just collected the fishes from the different parts of the lake to the right side of the boat, may have concentrated the elements of fire, fuel, and food from any part of creation upon that shore. Jesus, therefore, was wanting in no power to furnish the means and material of this emblematic feast. So He who upon the high ground of heaven watches his ministry and Church, will in due season have full power to provide an eternal banquet, and bring his elect to its participation.