We can express love in words but even more powerful is love in action. In today’s Gospel Jesus asks Peter three times, “Peter, do you love me?” This same Peter had three times denied Jesus: “Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” (John 18:17). This scene or encounter with Peter in today’s Gospel shows the boundlessness of Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness. Peter has committed what would later be called apostasy, he denied the faith, he denied Jesus. Yet Jesus offers Peter the gift of his love and his forgiveness. Jesus asks Peter to show that he loves him not only by words but even more by his actions:
Jesus: “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
Peter: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus: “Feed my lambs.”
Jesus is the Good Shepherd and wants Peter to continue his ministry of preaching and healing as he ascends to the right hand of the Father. Jesus wants Peter to feed his sheep.
Peter has come to recognize his own weakness and how his fear can even lead him to deny Jesus. This humbling experience leads him to the same realization that Paul came to:
“Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
They are strong because both Peter and Paul have learned that they must put all their faith and trust in God and not in their own power or strength.
Peter is reconciled with Jesus and called once again to follow Jesus. Peter remains a faithful follower of Jesus even unto death: “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.’”
Today’s Gospel story teaches us how great the mercy of God is. He is always ready to forgive us, no matter how great our sin. Jesus invites us to accept his gift of forgiveness by putting our love into action. Jesus speaks to us as he spoke to Peter: “Do you love me? Feed my sheep.”
Image: “Chair of Saint Peter” by Lawrence OP is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.