May 4, 2025.
“So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” (John 21, 15)
Saint Peter had denied Christ three times on that terrible night from Thursday Holy Friday. After the resurrection, Peter had regained his faith, but the rectification of that triple offence was still pending. The Lord wanted to remove this stain with a triple question that allowed this disciple, whose calling was to be the Pope, to give testimony in front of the rest of the apostles of his love for the Maestro, which had been put in doubt. But, furthermore, Christ wanted to teach Peter a lesson and, in passing, to all the rest. This is why he didn’t limit the question to if he loved him, but after each affirmation by his future Pope he entrusted him with the task of caring for the flock that would follow him, in the present and in the future. “If you love me – Christ came to say to Peter – show it to me by working for my cause”.
This is the same that he tells each of us: if you love me, work for me: if you love me, evangelize and be an apostle; if you love me, help me with those who are suffering, as all that you do to the smallest you have done to me.
The lesson which Christ gives us through the triple interrogation of Meter is that love is not only a sentiment, and cannot stay reduced to a sentiment. Love without labor is reduced to a caricature, it is even offensive. You can’t tell someone you love them and, at the same time, not help them or even hurt them. Labors are loves and not good reasons, is a Spanish saying. Thus showed us Christ.
Intention: Do the Hill of God in our lives, as expression of the love that we feel for Him. Also do the same with thy neighbor, show him with works of love.