In this final episode of the Bible study on the Gospel of John led by Frances Hogan, the focus is on the post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and Peter at the Lake of Galilee. The discussion unfolds around Jesus' poignant questioning of Peter's love, challenging him three times. This serves as a transformative and rehabilitative moment for Peter, who had previously denied Jesus thrice. The dialogue symbolizes Peter's spiritual resurrection and complete dependence on God. The significance of Jesus reinstating Peter as the chief shepherd is emphasized, portraying divine delegation of authority and highlighting the compassion required for effective leadership in shepherding God's flock. The episode delves into the symbolic depth of the shepherd imagery, drawing connections to Old Testament references and illustrating Peter's journey from denial to repentance.

Additionally, Hogan touches on a prophecy regarding Peter's future martyrdom, reinforcing his commitment to suffering for the faith. The discussion extends to John, representing the broader church community and symbolizing its endurance until the second coming of Jesus. Peter is instructed to focus on his own vocation, while the mention of John signifies the church's ongoing mission and its ultimate perseverance through the ages. The episode concludes with reflections on the mysteries of Christ, the body of Christ, and the mission of the church, emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit to be poured into believers for the church to fulfill its divine purpose.

Bible References:

• Jn.21:15-17 - The dialogue between Jesus and Peter by the Sea of Galilee
• Jn.21:18 - Jesus provides a prophecy to Peter about his future
• Jn.21:20-23 - The conversation between Peter and Jesus regarding the fate of the disciple John

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

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In this Bible study episode, Frances Hogan focuses on the concluding chapter of the Gospel of John, considered an appendix aimed at clarifying the roles of Peter and John as the community transitions into the post-apostolic age. The narrative unfolds by the Lake of Galilee, referred to as the shore of Tiberias, where a group of disciples, led by Peter, encounters Jesus. Despite the disciples' initial lack of recognition, Jesus orchestrates a miraculous catch of fish, revealing his presence and authority. Frances Hogan explores the themes of discernment, obedience, and the symbolic significance of the catch, emphasizing the disciples' dependence on Jesus for spiritual success and the unity of the Church in its mission to the world.

The study delves into the disciples' reactions, highlighting John's discernment preceding Peter's, underscoring the importance of recognizing and following the guidance of those with deeper insight. The narrative also emphasizes the disciples' trust and obedience to Jesus, even when faced with a stranger on the shore. Symbolism plays a crucial role, with the 153 fish representing a universal harvest, and the unbroken net symbolizing the unity of the Church. The episode concludes by drawing parallels between this event and the broader mission of the Church, emphasizing the need for faithful labor in the vineyard and the assurance that Jesus is waiting for believers at the culmination of the Church's mission.

Bible References:

• Jn.21:1-3 - The disciples, including Peter, fishing on the Sea of Galilee but catching nothing during the night
• Jn.21:4-6: Jesus appears on the shore but is initially unrecognized by the disciples
• Jn.21:7 - The disciples begin to recognize Jesus
• Jn.21:8-14 - The disciples' interactions with Jesus, the preparation of breakfast, and the significance of the catch of 153 fish
• Jn.21:15-19 - Jesus engages in a conversation with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him
• Jn.21:20-23 - The chapter concludes with a reference to the disciple whom Jesus loved (often identified with John) and a discussion about the longevity of the beloved disciple's life

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this Bible study session led by Frances Hogan, the discussion delves into the profound encounter between Jesus and Thomas, emphasizing the humility with which Jesus approached Thomas's demand for scientific evidence. Despite Thomas's initial skepticism, he eventually acknowledges Jesus as "My Lord and My God," marking a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. The session explores the broader theme of honoring the Son as the Father, referencing Jesus's earlier statement and highlighting the significance of Thomas's adoration as the beginning of fulfilling this prophecy. The study also touches on the diverse titles given to Jesus in the Gospel, emphasizing the central purpose of John's Gospel—to declare Jesus as the incarnation of God.

Frances Hogan further reflects on the nature of faith, drawing attention to Jesus's surprising response to Thomas. Rather than expressing satisfaction at Thomas's acknowledgment, Jesus intimates a sadness, indicating that the future of the Church's faith should not be solely dependent on tangible evidence. The episode underscores the importance of a mature faith built on the apostolic witness, challenging believers to transcend the need for signs and wonders. The study concludes by delving into the motivation behind John's Gospel, stressing that it aims not for scholarly pursuits but for a transformative belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, leading to life through His name.

Bible References:

• Jn.20:27 - Jesus speaks directly to Thomas, inviting him to touch the wounds on His hands and side
• Jn.5:23 - The Son would be honored in the same way as the Father
• Jn.10:29 - The Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in the Father
• 1 Pt.1:8 - Faith can surpass the need for seeing and touching, and believers can experience joy in their faith without direct physical evidence
• 2 Cor.5:16 - Knowing Jesus not in the flesh but in the spirit
• Jn.1:1, 14 - The beginning and end of the Gospel
• Jn.20:30-31 - "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalomworldpodcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087483505045

Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/