Jesus will always offer us a second chance (and more!) if we return to Him in love and contrition
Reflections on the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter (May 5, 2019): ACTS 5:27-32,40-41; PS 30:2,4,5-6,11-12,13; REV 5:11-14; JN 21:1-19
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Since the night Jesus was arrested and Peter denied Him three times, this Apostle who had been singled out to become the rock of the Church must have been overwhelmed with remorse.
He had already encountered the Risen Lord, but on this day described in today’s Gospel, Christ asked him to declare his love for Him again and again. “Jesus said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was distressed that Jesus 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.’” (John 21:17). So Peter understood that our Lord was offering him the compassion and forgiveness he so desired.
More that that, Jesus confirmed the position Peter would hold as head of Christ’s Church on earth. And He indicated that while Peter was given the responsibility as leader among the disciples, he himself would be led – to the death of a martyr in imitation of our Lord. Just as our Redeemer told Peter and the others to follow Him, He tells us, too. And we must make our choice day after day, just as the Apostles did. We must choose to say, “Yes!” to God’s grace and His will.
