Jesus and Peter

Today's Reflections

Jesus and Peter

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Jn 21:15-19

¹⁵When [Jesus and the disciples] 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.” ¹⁶He 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.” ¹⁷He 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. ¹⁸Amen, 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.” ¹⁹He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Reflection:
 

Tend my sheep. Jesus gives Peter a graced opportunity to redeem himself. Peter declared that he would lay down his life for Jesus (Jn 13:37), but then, as Jesus predicted, Peter denied his Master three times (Jn 18:17, 25-27). Peter now professes his love for Jesus three times.

Peter is not only forgiven. He is entrusted with an important mission to work for Jesus: “Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.” The flock remains the sheep of Jesus. Peter is not given power to rule and dominate. His authority will be seen in understanding, humility, and service—not in dominance, superiority, and privilege. Peter has to be like Jesus, a good shepherd willing to feed, care for, and die for the flock of Jesus.

Whatever happens, Jesus will always receive us back. He will continue to trust us and hope in us. But we have to be sincere and truthful to him. We must admit our limitations and shortcomings. Jesus will again send us on a mission.

“Do you love me?”How will you answer Jesus’ question?