PETER DO YOU LOVE ME

JOHN 21:15-19  After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more that these others do?” “Yes Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said to him, “Take care of my lambs.” A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was sad because Jesus asked him the third time. “Do you love me?” so he said to him, “Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.

I am telling you the truth, when you were young, you used to get ready ad go anywhere you wanted to, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will bind you and take you where you don’t want go to.” (in saying this, Jesus was indicating the way in which Peter would die and bring glory to God). Then Jesus said to him, Follow me.”

Do not be surprised at disciples not recognizing Jesus. Sometimes it happens to us also. We wonder where and when we met some people. Peter in excitement jumped into the river to meet the Lord. He did not remember his betrayal because he understood the loving Heart of his Master. How often do we run away from God when we sin? Peter is a perfect example for us to emulate. We should know that our loving Father is ever ready to receive and welcome us whenever we run to Him.

 For us Catholics, Jesus handed the authority/leadership to Peter, when he told him He gave him the keys to the kingdom. Now before departing, He needed Peter’s confession of love to Him because the true heart of a leader is love and compassion. Christ also gave him the responsibilities of  first caring for His lambs, secondly caring for His sheep, repeated twice. 

We have successive Popes, we are aware they could make mistakes as human, but the Catholic Church is Christ’s Bride. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Catholic Church, though sinners are we, Christ came to save sinners. We believe by God's grace, we shall be saved not by our own efforts and good works. But each time we make efforts, whenever we fall like Peter and the rests of the Saints, we get up and continue striving to be better Christians.