Readings: Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19
“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (John 21:18)
Today’s first reading provides concrete historical (verifiable) evidence of Paul’s ordeals for the sake of the Gospel. Governor Festus explains to King Agrippa I how Governor Felix left Paul in prison and how he had tried to intervene in his situation. Paul did not seem disturbed because He loved God with all his heart. In today’s Gospel passage, we notice that Jesus questioned Peter’s love for him before handing the flock to him. To make up for his triple betrayal, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. What does this teach us?
1. It Is Impossible to Lead Others If Love is Lacking: His ministry would have faltered if Peter did not love Jesus more than everything else. When we love, we can endure whatever suffering or pain may result from what we love. No matter how challenging the task, a person who loves their work will persist until the goal is achieved. Jesus, aware of the challenges of leadership and the persecutions ahead, needed to be certain that Peter truly loved him more than anything else. When you are doing what you love, it no longer feels like work. Leaders with a passion for the people always perform well. Let the love for your mission and the people you serve be your guiding light in leadership.
2. Love Makes Suffering Bearable: For all those times that Peter would have to endure, the memory of his triple “yes” to Jesus’ question would fortify him. Love, a source of strength and resilience, is patient and kind; it takes no record of wrongs; it never ends; it never gives up. Jesus even went as far as predicting the kind of death Peter would die; how he would stretch his hands while others would tie his belt and take him where he did not wish to go. Without love for God, the cross is a punishment, but when there is love in our hearts, the cross is worth carrying. Hence, Jesus said: “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me, and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37-38). Am I willing to let go of everything else for His sake, even when I am to get nothing in return? Like Paul, have you suffered, or are you currently suffering anything for your Christian Faith? Remember, when the going becomes tough, love keeps us going. Do not give up.
3. As Ministers of God, We Must Love God More Than Everything in the World: The first question Jesus asked Peter was: “Do you love me more than these?” By “these”, Jesus was referring to the huge catch of fish they had just caught. Jesus wanted to know if Peter loved him more than the riches and pleasures of life. Jesus knew that Peter, being a fisherman, loved fishing. He knew that the devil always tempts us with our desires. He saw how Peter, after the resurrection, felt like abandoning his call to evangelise because of fishing. As pastors, if we don’t love God more than everything the world has to offer, we could easily fall into the temptation of worshipping mammon in the name of religion. Let our love for God be unwavering, and our commitment to Him be steadfast.
Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Friday of the 7th week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu