Jesus Reinstates Peter
ACTS 25:13-21; PSALM 103; JOHN 21:15-19
In the gospel Jesus asked Peter “do you love me?” He asked Peter the same question thrice probably because he wanted Peter to be deeply conscious of his confession. Oftentimes, we engage in mere recitation without deep consciousness of the words used. We could say “Jesus, I love you! All I have is yours. Yours I am. And yours I want to be. Do with me, whatever you will” without keen attention to the deep meaning it conveys. The same applies to other prayers and hymns in the Church. Beloved, if we know the true meaning of what we profess, pray and sing we shall be lifted and healed. If we know the implication of saying “Jesus I love you” then we shall realize why Paul was ready to die for the gospel. Genuine love is sacrificial not artificial.
Again, when Jesus questioned Peter the third time, Peter became conscious of his nature and so in answering Jesus he said; “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” (John 21:17). “You know everything” would mean, you know my weakness and strength, you know my struggles and you know I love you. Jesus noticed Peter’s sincerity and he reinstated him. He said to him “Follow me” (John 21:19). Beloved, Jesus knows everything, regardless of our struggles he knows if we truly love him.
LET US PRAY
Father, you have unlocked the gates of eternity for us, by the power of the Holy Spirit let our devotion grow stronger, our love, genuine and our faith, deeper. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
