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Do You Love Me? The Heart of the Great Commission
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
John 21:15-19
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he 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.” He said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Grace Prayed For
Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to recognize and respond to your call of love in our own lives. Grant us the courage to embrace our imperfections and the willingness to serve your people with the same tenderness and forgiveness you showed to Peter. Help us to see the opportunities to “feed your sheep” in our daily encounters and to faithfully follow where you lead.
Reflection
The aroma of charcoal still clung to the air, mingling with the salty tang of the Galilean breeze. After a shared meal, a quiet intimacy settled between Jesus and Peter. Gone was the bravado, the impulsive declarations. In its place, a tender vulnerability. Jesus’ question pierces the heart: “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” More than the familiar comfort of the fishing boat? More than the camaraderie of the other disciples? More than the bitter memory of denial? Each repetition is a gentle probing, a balm applied to the raw wound of Peter’s threefold betrayal. Jesus doesn’t demand perfection, but a present, honest love. And with each affirmation, a profound commission follows: “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.” This is the resurrected Lord, entrusting his most precious possession – his flock – to the very one who had abandoned him. It’s a staggering act of mercy, a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness. This call echoes in our own hearts. Do we love him enough to care for those he loves? To step beyond our comfort and follow his leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain? The resurrection wasn’t just an event in history; it’s a living power that takes our brokenness and repurposes it for a divine mission. Just as Peter was restored and recommissioned, so too are we called, in our own imperfect way, to participate in Jesus’ work of making disciples, tending to the spiritual hunger of the world around us.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
This passage reveals Jesus’ profound understanding of human frailty and his unwavering commitment to redemption. He meets Peter not with accusation, but with gentle questions that invite honesty and a renewed commitment. This intimate exchange highlights Jesus’ personal investment in each of his followers. By entrusting Peter with the care of his flock, Jesus demonstrates a deep level of trust and partnership. For us, this passage offers comfort in knowing that our past failures do not disqualify us from God’s love and service. It encourages us to draw closer to Jesus, recognizing his merciful heart and his desire to work through us, despite our weaknesses, in the ongoing mission of love.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post