Jesus did not ask Peter if he was sorry. Peter did not ask for forgiveness for his grievous offense. Instead, their relationship rested on one question “Do you love me?” They had been together long enough to understand and care intensely for each other. So they bypassed preliminaries and got to the heart of the matter: authentic love. Peter responded from his broken-open, repentant heart. His answer implied much about his relationship with Jesus: “You know me well. I failed you miserably, but I long to give you my best.” This encounter assures me that my genuine repentance for wrongdoing will meet a welcoming love from the Holy One who knows me, oh, so well.
Continued prayers for the Ukraine and the Sudan. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Ukraine and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in Ukraine and Sudan and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace – we who are working towards it and for all who are in danger from this conflict. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
I love you Jesus I love you Jesus I love you Jesus
Jesus asked Peter the same question, "Do you love Me?" three times in today's Gospel! *** Is it possible that Jesus asked the question three time to remind Peter his three denials? To me, it also points the importance and necessity of Peter's love for Jesus and obedience to his mission at this time to accomplish his future ministry *** As it is stated in John 21:19, "Jesus said this to point out how Peter would die. His death would bring glory to God. Then Jesus said to him, “Follow me!”" *** The greek word for the 'love' in Jesus' first two questions (John 21:15-16) is "agape" meaning unconditional love! The Greek word for the 'love' in Jesus' last question and all of Peter's answers (John 21:15-17) is "phileo" meaning friendship/brotherly love! ******* Is my love displayed "agape?" or "phileo?" I am pretty sure it is mostly "phileo!" just like Peter...Agape love is going to the cross without cause or any expectation in return!!! John 3:16-19, "“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His One and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s Light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the Light, for their actions were evil."
Thank you Sister Joyce! Your reflections Your reflections are amazing and bring hope to all who hear them. Thank you LFFamily. Lord please forgive me for hurtful things I’ve said and done over my life. God bless you all.
Thank you Sr Joyce for your comments and reflections this morning. Anne I will pray for you and your friend Barbara right now and at Mass this morning. Ken
Thank you Sister Joyce for that reminder. I pray for forgiveness of those I have hurt in the past from my stupidity and ignorance. I hope to grow in the love of God and do his will more efficiently. Even this late in the game of life I feel like I am still learning. You know that phrase "If I had known then what I know now." How true that is . I will make it a purpose to follow God more closely.
You are not alone Stormy and you certainly bring to light that we do in fact hurt others even without meaning to. I doubt most of us ever purposely try to hurt another, that would be the definition of evil. But yes in stupidity and ignorance I am very guilty of hurting someone and in turn offending God. If I ask anything today may it be as Solomon, for wisdom in all matters great and small….and for me personally to have a 10 second delay between my thoughts and my voice. Blessings to all this Memorial weekend.
Vicky thanks for the 10 seconds reminder. I fear I forget that a great deal.
Lord, in our imperfections you continue to embrace us. We resign ourselves to your will and your way and pray that love will be the core of who we are, a people radiating authentic love even in the most difficult situations in our lives. May we never grow cold in love for you Lord and for one another, Amen. Friday blessings Living Faith Family.
In the end, I pray the victims of my betrayal know this too.☮️
Amen
This reflection clearly proves that real love does not require perfection, and forgiveness is an intrinsic element of it.
Amen Patrick. Real love does not require perfection, but forgiveness. How hard that is. I remember telling someone that the hardest part of being married is loving someone when you don't always like them. Perfection is not required, forgiveness is.
“‘Real love does not require perfection”….I needed this reminder in viewing my own love and also in viewing the love of those I live with. Thank you Patrick, it’s amazing what each of one of us can contribute reflecting on the same passage that will reach another on a deeper level.
Thank you Sr. Joyce for your always wise reflection. And thank you Patrick for reminding us that “real love doesn’t require perfection and forgiveness is an essential part of it”. That is the key to a happy marriage and maintaining long term friendships.
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Sr. Chris....very thought provoking. How many people I have hurt - that I remember and that I don't. May my broken-open repentant heart be felt by them as I long to give them and all my best.