June 02, 2017Friday, 7th Week of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 25:13b–21 Gospel: Jn 21:15–19
After Jesus and his disciples had finished breakfast, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” And Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” And Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Look after my sheep.” And a third time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was saddened because Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus then said, “Feed my sheep. Truly, I say to you, when you were young you put on your belt and walked where you liked. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will put a belt around you and lead you where you do not wish to go.”Jesus said this to make known the kind of death by which Peter was to glorify God. And he added, “Follow me.”
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
A researcher asked this question to a group of 4 to 8 year olds: “What do you think love is?” Here are some of the answers. “Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well” (Tommy – age 6). “My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night” (Clare – age 6). “I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones” (Lauren – age 4). “You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot because people forget” (Jessica – age 8).
Jessica’s answer is a good chastisement to Peter. To Jesus Peter said, “I love you”. But then he also denied Jesus during the Passion three times. One denial is understandable, especially when one is under duress. But Peter had three chances. Definitely he didn’t want to partake of the torture of Jesus. Where is the love that he professed three times? The willingness to suffer can be a good measure of love. Love’s best description, in fact, is laying down one’s life for someone.
The second part of Jessica’s answer reminds us of God. “But if you mean it, you should say it a lot because people forget.” God keeps repeating to us how much he loves us. He does this especially during the Mass at which we celebrate the memorial of his Passion. Still, people forget. But God will never stop. He will not only repeat saying, “I love you”, but also show us his love by regularly intervening in our lives. – (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., DM
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