Reflections

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Jesus said to him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Simon had said to him a 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 21:17)

Three times Peter denied you, my Jesus. Now, three times you invite him to profess his love and three times you direct him to carry on your work. Your trust in him is complete. He will not disappoint you; indeed, he will be crucified for his zeal.

You do not insist on penance, but only love. You ask not for sacrifice but for mercy. You know that I love you. What are you asking from me? How can I help to tend your flock?

Tomorrow I will spend the day with your little lambs. Help me to care for them tenderly. Let me be solicitous, too, of those who have grown. When you called to the disciples, you addressed them as “children.” We are all your children. Please help me to remember that, even among the old and cranky. Remind me that I, too, am old and often cranky, and yet I am still your child.

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