Christ wants us to focus on our journey

Gospel

John 21:15-19

Feed my lambs, feed my sheep

Jesus showed himself to his disciples, and after they had eaten he said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep.’ Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.

‘I tell you most solemnly,

when you were young

you put on your own belt

and walked where you liked;

but when you grow old

you will stretch out your hands,

and somebody else will put a belt round you

and take you where you would rather not go.’

In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, ‘Follow me.’

Reflection

Three times Peter denied Jesus. Three times Jesus asks "Do you love me?" This is no accident. What looks like a test is actually a healing — each question gently undoing one of Peter's denials, replacing shame with purpose. Jesus doesn't disqualify Peter because of his failure. Instead, he restores him and entrusts him with something precious: the care of others.

Love, in Jesus' eyes, is never just a feeling to profess — it becomes visible in how we serve, tend, and accompany those around us.

Question for Reflection

How is Jesus calling me, in my specific circumstances right now, to turn my love for him into action for others?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you know everything — you know how often I have failed you, and you know the love I carry for you despite my weakness. Like Peter, I hear you asking me again today: "Do you love me?" Give me the courage to answer not just with words, but with my hands, my time, and my heart. Help me to see the people you have placed in my care, and to tend to them faithfully. When the path leads somewhere difficult, may I still hear your voice saying, "Follow me." Amen.

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