7th week in Easter Time, Friday – 3rd June 2022 — Gospel: Jn 21,15-19
Amazing Plan
Risen Jesus’ encounter with Peter opens up a new beginning. Jesus forgives and encourages Peter as he had done many times before. He had no intention of letting Peter’s past sins or weaknesses change the mission he had for him. The confidence that Jesus’ encounter with Peter gives is that after every failure or mistake, one must respond to his single question: “Do you love me more than these?” Is Jesus asking whether Peter loves him more than these fish or more than his profession? Is he asking if Peter loves him more than he loves his companions? Or is Jesus asking whether Peter loves him more than his other disciples love him? All three must be true. Peter must have loved Jesus more than he loved other people or his fishing business. He did love Jesus more than the others because he was willing to render extraordinary sacrifice on behalf of his master. For despite Peter’s own betrayals, blunders, and mistakes Jesus has an amazing plan for Peter. He doesn’t judge by the past mistakes, but he sees into our hearts. He sees our potential, and our love.
