Friday
of the 7th Week of Easter
May 22, 2015 8:30am
Today’s gospel tells us something
very definite about Jesus.
Peter has denied Jesus three
times.
Here Jesus asks him three times, “Do you love me?”
Jesus does not even mention what
Peter has done.
There is no put down, no
castigating, no vengeance and no punishment for Peter’s denial.
Jesus’ direct but completely respectful
questions allow Peter to rise to the occasion and redeem himself or, shall we
say, be redeemed by Jesus.
Then, Jesus takes Peter at his
word.
He trusts him.
Without saying a word, he restores
Peter to full relationship and friendship.
And then, with his trust in
Peter, Jesus entrusts him with an important responsibility – to care for his
sheep.
I imagine that many of us are at
some time in the position of Peter or of Jesus.
What a wonderful example this
passage today is for all of us!
