One such moment occurs in John 21:9, where Jesus, after His resurrection, appears to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee and cooks breakfast for them:
"When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread" (John 21:9, RSV-CE).
This seemingly simple detail - the charcoal fire - holds deep theological significance. It is a moment of reconciliation, renewal, and restoration, especially in relation to St. Peter. By examining the role of the charcoal fire in Scripture and its symbolic meaning, we uncover a powerful lesson about sin, forgiveness, and the transforming power of Christ’s love.
1. The Context: A Post-Resurrection Encounter
The event in John 21 takes place after Jesus has risen from the dead. The disciples, uncertain about their future, return to what they know - fishing. They labour all night but catch nothing. Then, at dawn, Jesus appears on the shore and calls out to them:
"Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some" (John 21:5-6, RSV-CE).
When they obey, their nets overflow with fish. John immediately recognises Jesus and exclaims, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7, RSV-CE). Peter, filled with eagerness, jumps into the water and swims ashore. When the disciples arrive, they find Jesus cooking fish and bread on a charcoal fire.
This is no ordinary breakfast; it is a moment of reconciliation. The key to understanding its depth lies in the charcoal fire itself.
2. The Only Two Charcoal Fires in Scripture
Interestingly, there are only two times in the entire Bible where a charcoal fire is specifically mentioned:
1. John 18:18 – When Peter denies Jesus three times.
2. John 21:9 – When Jesus restores Peter after the Resurrection.
This parallel is not coincidental. The second charcoal fire directly calls back to the first, creating a moment of redemption for Peter.
3. The First Charcoal Fire: Peter’s Denial (John 18:18)
The first charcoal fire appears during Jesus' trial at the high priest’s courtyard. As Jesus is being questioned, Peter stands outside among the servants and guards, warming himself by a charcoal fire. It is there that he denies Jesus three times:
"Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself" (John 18:18, RSV-CE).
Each time Peter is questioned about his relationship with Jesus, he responds with fear and denial:
First denial: "I am not [his disciple]" (John 18:17, RSV-CE).
Second denial: "I am not" (John 18:25, RSV-CE).
Third denial: "I do not know the man!" (cf. John 18:26-27, RSV-CE).
After the third denial, the rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy that Peter would deny Him three times before dawn (cf. John 13:38). Overcome with grief, Peter weeps bitterly (cf. Luke 22:62).
This moment is a turning point in Peter’s life. Despite his great love for Jesus, his weakness leads him to betrayal. Yet, Jesus does not abandon him. Instead, He prepares a second charcoal fire, inviting Peter into a moment of healing.
4. The Second Charcoal Fire: Peter’s Restoration (John 21:9)
The scene at the Sea of Galilee in John 21 is an intentional echo of Peter’s denial. Just as he once stood by a charcoal fire in fear, he now stands by another charcoal fire—but this time in the presence of the risen Christ.
Jesus, ever merciful, does not bring up Peter’s past failures directly. Instead, He invites Peter to profess his love three times, mirroring the three denials:
"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17, RSV-CE).
This exchange is not a rebuke but a restoration. Each question erases a denial. Each response from Peter reaffirms his love and commitment to Christ.
5. The Symbolism of the Charcoal Fire
The charcoal fire in John 21 is not just a background detail; it holds deep spiritual and sacramental meaning.
a) A Symbol of Reconciliation
Just as Peter stood around the first fire in sin, he now stands around the second in grace. This reflects the journey of all believers: we fall into sin, but Christ, through His mercy, calls us back.
b) A Reminder of the Sacrament of Confession
The way Jesus restores Peter is similar to the way we experience reconciliation in Confession. Peter had sinned grievously, but Christ does not abandon him. Instead, He offers Peter a path to repentance, just as He does for us through the priest in the confessional.
c) A Call to Mission
Peter is not only forgiven but entrusted with a mission: "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17, RSV-CE). Christ’s mercy does not merely restore us; it calls us to greater love and service.
Likewise, when we receive God’s mercy, we are called to share it with others.
6. Personal Lessons from the Charcoal Fire
a) Jesus Calls Us Back After We Fall
No sin is too great for Christ’s mercy. Just as He sought out Peter, He seeks out each of us, ready to forgive and restore us.
b) Reconciliation Requires a Personal Encounter
Peter’s healing happened in the presence of Jesus. Likewise, we find healing when we bring our sins before Christ, especially in Confession and Adoration.
c) God’s Mercy Prepares Us for Mission
Peter’s failure did not disqualify him from serving God. On the contrary, his experience of mercy made him a more compassionate shepherd. When we experience Christ’s forgiveness, we too are called to lead others to Him.
************
The charcoal fire on which Jesus cooked for His disciples is more than just a setting - it is a sign of redemption and renewal. By bringing Peter back to the place of his greatest failure, Jesus does not shame him but heals him.
This is the message of Easter: sin does not have the final word - mercy does.
As we reflect on this passage, we can ask ourselves: Where is Jesus calling me to renewal? Where do I need His mercy?
Just as He invited Peter, Jesus invites each of us to sit by the fire of His love, receive His mercy, and embrace the mission He has for us.
Will we accept His invitation?