"Do you love me?"

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

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." A second time he said to him, "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." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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.” And after this he said to him, "Follow me." (John 21:15-17,19). Jesus loves us so much that he wants us to be with him. Jesus asks Peter three times; “Do you love me?” and Peter answers “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Why must Jesus ask Peter three times? Peter denied Christ three times and this was Peter’s chance to renew his Grace from God. God freed Peter from the sins of denial so that he would be free to follow Him and serve Him. “God is love” (1 John 4:16). The only way we can deny God, is to deny His love which He so willingly gives to us. This expression of love and sorrow by Peter was accepted with open arms by our Lord. But it doesn’t stop at just loving God, we must also extend our love to our fellow man. Jesus say if you love me then you will “Feed my lambs” and if you love me you will “Tend my Sheep.” It is not enough for us to say we love God and then turn around and ignore those in need and deny those who are less fortunate. God is love and when we love our neighbors as God has loved us, then we come closer to God. Eventually, our love becomes the light which guides us through life. If we follow this light, then we follow Christ. Only our free will can keep us God’s love, but that same free will can draw us closer to Him.

A Simple Prayer Lord, you knew me before I was in my mother’s womb. You loved me first before all others. Enrich my heart and soul with your uncompromising love. Help me to feed your lambs and to tend your sheep For I want to follow you.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon