Three times Peter denied the Lord, and so
three times Jesus asks him to reaffirm his faith: Simon,
son of John, do you love me? Notice that
Christianity is not a set of ideas or convictions or principles. It is a relationship with a person. Do you love Jesus? Has he become your friend?
When Simon says yes, Jesus tests him: Feed
my lambs; tend my sheep; feed my sheep. The test of love is action. Are we willing to do what Jesus did? Are we willing to go on mission on his
behalf?
Then we hear that wonderful closing
section: As a young man you fastened your belt and
went about as you pleased; but when you are older you will stretch out your
hands, and another will tie you fast and carry you off against your will. The
ultimate test of discipleship is our willingness to abandon our egos and be
carried by a power greater than ourselves.
--Bishop Robert
Barron,
Gospel Reflection, May 18,
2018
No comments:
Post a Comment