"Do you love me?"

June 3, Friday of the 7th week of Easter
Acts 25:13b-21; Gospel: John 21:15-19

To love God is to serve him by converting others to his faith.

Upon being asked by the risen Jesus, Peter answered: "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." When requested the second and third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter realized that it was not a joke.

Then Peter might have thought back to the terrible guilt he felt when he denied Jesus three times. I can vividly imagine Peter crying in unfathomable remorse and repentance, saying: "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."

Eventually, Peter began to remember all his blessings from the Lord: the healing of his mother-in-law; their big catch of fish along the Sea of Galilee, together with his brother Andrew; his walking over the water, then later saved by Jesus; the multiplication of the loaves; and all His teachings.

This question of Jesus to Peter in today's Gospel: "Do you love me?" is also the question of Jesus to you, personally. Jesus tells you to think back on how the Lord healed you spiritually and physically, how he answered your prayers, how he helped you solve your problems, and how the Bible gave you wisdom and direction.

Therefore, you become more and more grateful to Jesus for all these blessings.

And after Jesus instructed Peter to feed and lead his flock, Jesus told him: "Follow me!" Hence, Jesus wants you to serve the people of God in your own way, like bringing your family and friends closer to Jesus.

And now you can answer Jesus with gratitude and commitment: "Yes, Lord! You know that I love you! "