June 7, 2019
Friday, 7th Week of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 25:13b–21Gospel:
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 group of professionals made a survey on how children perceive love. Here are some data gathered: “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). “During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me, and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore” (Cindy, age 8). “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 idea about saying “I love you” takes us to the case of Peter. He said it three times to Jesus. But we doubt if he really meant it because he denied Jesus three times. Probably he was just scared when the Jewish bystanders during the arrest of Jesus singled him out as a disciple. But if his fears had any basis, wasn’t it the opportune time to prove his love for Jesus?
In contrast, Jesus’ love didn’t succumb to fear. He was scared of the Passion, yet it became his greatest expression of love for humankind. He instituted the Eucharist as a lasting memorial of this love. Every Mass is Jesus’ repetition of the words “I love you” lest we forget. If that survey were a competition, Jessica should win! “You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. And if you mean it, you should say it a lot because people forget”. – (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.
May comment ka ba sa column ni Father Dan? May tanong ka ba sa kanya? I-type ang BANDERA REACT
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Bandera. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.