I discovered a powerful painting by Duccio, 14th-century Italian artist. His painting, Appearance at Lake Tiberius, was inspired by one of the Easter Gospels (Jn 21:1-14). In his Gospel, St. John tells us how Jesus revealed himself at the Sea of Tiberias. As you may remember, the Apostles came back empty-handed after a night of fishing. At dawn, they encounter a man standing by the shore. He instructs them to drop their net over the right side of the boat. After following the instructions, they filled their nets with fish. Suddenly, they recognize the figure as Jesus, their Lord and Master. Oh, I can imagine the emotions that swelled in their hearts. They suffered fear, joy, awe and apprehension.
Sister Wendy, a British art expert and contemplative hermit, wrote this poignant commentary on Duccio’s painting.
In the days of waiting to see what post-Resurrection life will mean for them, ever-impatient Peter turns to fishing and his friends … go with him. They fish all night and catch nothing. As the sun rises a man on the shore, seen dimly through the morning mists, tells them where to throw the net. While they are struggling to deal with so enormous a haul, John, with the quick eyes of youth, tells Peter: ‘It is the Lord.’
Duccio paints that pivotal moment: some straining with the net, some looking across with holy fear. John holding hand to heart in reverence, and Peter lashing resolutely through the water, arms raised in timid welcome. Jesus is hardly there. Duccio depicts him on the very edge of the painting. He gleams with the inward light of Godhead and beckons. For all the freshness and beauty of its setting (Jesus has a cooked picnic breakfast for them), this is a solemn encounter.
I’ve been pondering a lot about the painting and Sister’s explanation. Duccio and Sister have made this Gospel rich for me. I have reflected on the “solemn encounter” we experience when we approach the Altar to receive Holy Communion. Through prayer, and with God’s grace, perhaps we, too, can hear Christ say to us, “Come, have breakfast”.
We, truly, have a loving Savior who makes Himself known in the quiet of our prayers, solemnity of Holy Mass, and the ordinary experiences of our daily lives.
Painting: Di Buoninsegna, Duccio. Appearance on Lake Tiberias. 1308-1311. Tempera on Wood. Museo Dell’Opera Del Duomo, Siena, Italy.