DO YOU LOVE JESUS

READINGS: THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

The Gospel for this 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, (John 21: 1-19) describes an encounter the apostles had with Jesus, after the resurrection. Apparently, the apostles were not clear as to what the future held for them. So, during this uncertainty, Peter declared, “I am going fishing” and six other apostles followed him. They fished all night and caught nothing. Then, at dawn, something happened. Christ appeared to them and commanded them to cast their net in a specific direction, and the result was an amazing catch. Isn’t it amazing what we can accomplish when we work in obedience to God’s word. No wonder Scripture says, “But he who obeys me dwells in security, in peace, without fear of harm." (Proverb 1:33) 

Christ then invites the apostles to breakfast during which He helped them deal with their past; they needed to be forgiven and to forgive themselves before they could bring Jesus’ forgiveness to others, especially Peter. So, Jesus asks Peter, three times, (symbolically erasing the three times Peter denied Him) “Do you love me?” When Peter answered in the affirmative, each time, Christ entrusted the care of His sheep to him, “Feed my sheep”. 

My friends, this task was not only entrusted to Peter but to all of us as Disciples of Christ. We are called to feed His sheep. We feed the Lord’s sheep when we bring hope, joy, peace, and forgiveness to those we meet; when we work for the salvation of all souls; when we bring down the walls of bigotry, division, and hatred; when we stand in the breach between humanity and suffering; when we defend those on the margins of society; and when we fight for justice, equality, equity, and fairness for all. 

There is something to say about letting our lives be lived in obedience to God’s word. It lines us up with God’s vision for our lives, His graces and blessings for our wellbeing, His power for our deliverance and protection, and His sustenance in times of tribulation and suffering. 

Today our Lord invites us to breakfast during which He inquires of us if we love Him enough to take up our crosses and follow Him. The question is, “Is my love for Jesus stronger than my fears of being His disciple?” May God grant us the grace to answer in the affirmative and to do so with our whole heart, mind, and soul!