Gospel: June 6, 2025
June 6, 2025 (Friday)
7th Week of Easter
Psalter: Week 3 / (White)
St. Norbert, bishop
Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
1st Reading: Acts 25:13b-21
Gospel: John 21:15-19
After they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?” 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 now 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!”
Reflection:
“The love of Christ”
We have a natural sense of self-preservation. Typically, we try to avoid danger rather than seek it. Certainly, there are extreme sports in which people push the boundaries of safety, but even then, there are limits. And yet, Saint Paul chooses to see the emperor rather than return to Jerusalem where the case might be dropped as a mere quarrel about religious beliefs. Likewise, Jesus tells Peter that the price of following him faithfully is martyrdom; they will lead him where he does not wish to go. Why would Paul choose the more dangerous option? Why does Peter accept what Jesus tells him? After all, previously, he had tried to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem when he tells the disciples that he will die there (2 Cor 5:14). The answer is love. They take the road of self-sacrifice, out of love for Christ and their neighbor. Saint Paul says that the love of Christ pushes him on. And after denying Christ, Peter realizes that faithful, loving discipleship involves imitation, to the point of self-giving. We are all to be motivated by love, so that we focus first on Christ and on the good of others, rather than on the self.
