Thursday, April 4, 2024

Listen to the Word

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  (John 21:15)

If there was anybody who had mixed emotions about the resurrection of Jesus, it was Peter. Just before Jesus’ death, Peter failed miserably. He denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus had predicted. No doubt Peter’s excitement at seeing Jesus alive was tempered by embarrassment at having to face the One he had disappointed. But the risen Jesus called Peter aside for a One-on-one conference. He gave him three opportunities to affirm his love for Jesus, once for each denial. And he told Peter that he still had important work for him to do.

Jesus wanted to use Peter in spite of his failure. He gave him a fresh start. And according to John’s Gospel, Jesus’ last words to Peter were the same as the first: “Follow me.”

Live the Word

Thank God for the grace of new beginnings. Ask for his forgiveness for your failures, and thank him for the chance to start over.