The Holy Gospel according to John (21:15-17).
After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them,
he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Simon Peter answered 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.”
[Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: Today is the Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope. This Gospel is from the readings for the memorial and is a dialogue between Jesus and Peter. Jesus asks Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?” Peter had denied Jesus three times during His Passion. Now, during this encounter with the risen Jesus, He gives Peter the chance to affirm his love for Him three times.
During this encounter, Jesus does not ask Peter, “Are you sorry?” or “Why did you deny me when I needed you the most?” Jesus knew Peter is human and weak, but He also knows his heart. Jesus is not interested in bringing up the past and keeping Peter trapped in it. During this encounter, Jesus wants to restore Peter and give him a mission. Each time Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus responds with, “Feed my lambs and tend my sheep.” Jesus wants Peter to care for His people. Peter’s love for Jesus must be carried out through loving service to His people.
Today’s Gospel is also a reminder to us that our failures do not have to be the end of our story. We, like Peter, have moments when we fail and fall short of what we are called to do as disciples. But Jesus continues to call us back into relationship. His mercy gives us another opportunity to begin anew.
St. Pius X was Pope from 1903 to 1914. During his papacy, he advocated frequent reception of communion for adults and sacramental preparation for children. He also lowered the age of First Communion from 12 years to 7 years. He also encouraged instruction of the catechism for everyone. St. Pius X undertook liturgical and canonical reforms. He also encouraged Gregorian Chant.
Action for the Day: Maybe today Jesus is asking each of us, “Do you love me?” If we answer “Yes”, Jesus reminds us that love is not only saying it but living it. As disciples we are called to encourage those who are discouraged, forgive those we need to forgive, care for those in need, and sharing the Good News of Jesus with our families and communities. Pray for the grace to answer as Peter did: “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” May our love for Jesus be seen in the way we love and serve others, especially those less fortunate than us.
Audio Reflection:
Thank you and God bless.