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:

Do you love me? This is one of the most beautiful scenes in the whole gospel of John. By the lake of Tiberias, Jesus gives Simon Peter a chance to reverse his denial of Jesus during his passion. Three times Peter denied him. Three times Jesus now asks Peter to profess his love. And to show that Peter’s rehabilitation is complete, thrice Jesus gives Peter the charge of his whole flock, his Church.

When we fail Jesus, he gives us a chance to recover. In fact, he gives us more chances than we lost by our sins. Peter recovered and became not only the chief representative-shepherd of Christ’s flock, but gave his life for Jesus and the gospel.

One who is forgiven more, loves more

(cf Lk 7:41-43).