Catching 153 Fish
In the Gospel of St. John, the last chapter tells the story of the apostles pulling in a miraculous catch of fish - much like the story recorded in the beginning of Our Lord's ministry in Luke 5. But one significant detail stands out: St. John records that they caught exactly 153 fish.
Why 153?
St. Jerome said that he had learned from Greek zoologists that there were 153 species of fish known at the time - thus, the catch of 153 fish (taken with Our Lord's words that the apostles would be "fishers of men") represents the apostolic work of bringing the Gospel to the entire world, to all the nations - to all "species" of men.
But St. Augustine had a somewhat more interesting interpretation.
You begin with the number of The Law - the number 10 (for the Ten Commandments).
But since "the letter kills," and it is "the Spirit that gives life," the Holy Spirit must be added to the Law.
And what is the number of the Spirit? Because the Spirit's work is one of sanctification, and since God sanctified the seventh day of creation, St. Augustine said the number 7 was appropriately attached to the Spirit.
Likewise, Isaiah speaks of the seven gifts of the Spirit - so the association of 7 to the Spirit is reinforced.
So we add the Spirit to the Law, or 7+10, and we get 17.
But what does 17 have to do with 153 fish?
If you add the individual numbers together, from 1 to 17, guess what?
1+2 = 3
3+3 = 6
6+4 = 10
10+5 = 15
15+6 = 21
21+7 = 28
28+8 = 36
36+9 = 45
45+10 = 55
55+11 = 66
66+12 = 78
78+13 = 91
91+14 = 105
105+15 = 120
120+16 = 136
136+17 = 153
Thus, 153 represents all of those who are converted through the Apostolic "fishing," and who share in the life of Grace (7), by which they are enabled to keep the Law (10).
Divine Math. Gotta love it.
For the more astute Catholic reader, recalls also that a full Rosary contains 153 "Hail Mary" beads (10 beads X 15 decades + the 3 beads recited for Faith, Hope, and Charity).
Also, Our Lady appeared at Fatima on May 13, 1917, June 13, 1917, July 13, 1917, August 13, 1917, September 13, 1917, and October 13, 1917.
From May 13 to October 13 there are exactly 153 days. And the appearances, which took places over 153 days, ended in October, which had already been venerated as the Month of the Holy Rosary ever since the Victory at Lepanto in 1571 - 153 days, the Month of the Rosary? Hmmm.
And what was one of the prominent messages of Our Lady of Fatima? "Recite the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary." In fact, she identified herself at Fatima as "The Lady of the Rosary."
Too coincidental, isn't it?
Why 153?
St. Jerome said that he had learned from Greek zoologists that there were 153 species of fish known at the time - thus, the catch of 153 fish (taken with Our Lord's words that the apostles would be "fishers of men") represents the apostolic work of bringing the Gospel to the entire world, to all the nations - to all "species" of men.
But St. Augustine had a somewhat more interesting interpretation.
You begin with the number of The Law - the number 10 (for the Ten Commandments).
But since "the letter kills," and it is "the Spirit that gives life," the Holy Spirit must be added to the Law.
And what is the number of the Spirit? Because the Spirit's work is one of sanctification, and since God sanctified the seventh day of creation, St. Augustine said the number 7 was appropriately attached to the Spirit.
Likewise, Isaiah speaks of the seven gifts of the Spirit - so the association of 7 to the Spirit is reinforced.
So we add the Spirit to the Law, or 7+10, and we get 17.
But what does 17 have to do with 153 fish?
If you add the individual numbers together, from 1 to 17, guess what?
1+2 = 3
3+3 = 6
6+4 = 10
10+5 = 15
15+6 = 21
21+7 = 28
28+8 = 36
36+9 = 45
45+10 = 55
55+11 = 66
66+12 = 78
78+13 = 91
91+14 = 105
105+15 = 120
120+16 = 136
136+17 = 153
Thus, 153 represents all of those who are converted through the Apostolic "fishing," and who share in the life of Grace (7), by which they are enabled to keep the Law (10).
Divine Math. Gotta love it.
For the more astute Catholic reader, recalls also that a full Rosary contains 153 "Hail Mary" beads (10 beads X 15 decades + the 3 beads recited for Faith, Hope, and Charity).
Also, Our Lady appeared at Fatima on May 13, 1917, June 13, 1917, July 13, 1917, August 13, 1917, September 13, 1917, and October 13, 1917.
From May 13 to October 13 there are exactly 153 days. And the appearances, which took places over 153 days, ended in October, which had already been venerated as the Month of the Holy Rosary ever since the Victory at Lepanto in 1571 - 153 days, the Month of the Rosary? Hmmm.
And what was one of the prominent messages of Our Lady of Fatima? "Recite the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary." In fact, she identified herself at Fatima as "The Lady of the Rosary."
Too coincidental, isn't it?
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