Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter
(Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19)
Evangelical Protestants impressively profess their love of Jesus. But surely love of the Lord characterizes Catholic belief. Blessed John Paul II encouraged the faithful to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Mother Teresa used to describe herself by saying, “By blood, I am Albanian; by citizenship, an Indian; by faith, I am a Catholic nun; as to my calling, I belong to the world; as to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.”
In the gospel today Jesus highlights love for him as the most cogent prerequisite for leadership in his service. Calling Peter by his original name, Jesus elicits this love as he gives the mandate to shepherd his flock. Out of love Peter will take similar care for Jesus’ followers similarly as he would the Lord himself.
Our love for Jesus moves us as well to love one another. All of us like Peter have leadership roles to play. Parents must guide their family in the faith. Workers must transform the world in accord with God’s plan for peace. Even children give example to one another of God’s love for all.
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