Wednesday, May 27, 2015

God is Counting on Us

     When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, 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.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was distressed that He had said to him a third time, “Do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.” (Jesus) said to him, feed My sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had said this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”  (Jn. 21 vs. 15-19)

      After Christ’s resurrection, the apostles had gone back to their comfort zone of fishing. They had been fishing all night and caught nothing. At dawn, while still in the boat, Jesus came and learning of their fruitless night, instructed them for a great catch. St. John recognized Jesus and told Peter. Peter, filled with great love, jumped overboard to go to Jesus. Jesus had started a charcoal fire on shore and invited the apostles to breakfast.
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     After breakfast, Jesus asked St. Peter three times if he loves Him. Jesus gives him a chance to redeem his threefold denial. Christ then affirms to Peter his role in the Church. Peter’s denial of Jesus did not negate the primacy that was given to him before Christ’s death. Peter will be the new shepherd, who will lay down his life for his flock. His life is no longer his own. His life belongs to Christ and the Church.

     There are times in our lives when we feel lost, confused and perplexed. We don’t know where to go to find peace. Turning to the familiar, brings with it a certain kind of calm to our inmost being. It helps us to navigate in friendly waters, keeping the storm at bay.

     Like the apostles, God comes to us in our time of need. He has not left us alone, but has come, filled with love to meet us. If it is instruction that we need, we will get it. If it is affirmation of our love after we have failed Him, He will speak to our hearts and assure us with the love and confidence that He feels for us. Jesus will remind us that being His disciple means our lives are not our own and discipleship will come at a great cost -- but also with great reward. We will need to die to ourselves and our wills over and over again if we are to follow Him.

     We are called by Christ to feed His sheep. Many are starving, lost and afraid. They need the love and guiding hand of a shepherd. It will take prayer, sacrifice and sometimes silence on our part. It is not necessarily our words but our love that will reach the sheep that do not even realize they are lost. We need to be the good shepherd who will lay down their lives for the sheep and imitate Our Lord, St. Peter and all the apostles.

     Our God is counting on us. Like St. Peter and all of the apostles, we will fail Him at times, but we must not allow our failings to neglect the call that God has placed upon us. We must, like Peter, repent and ask for forgiveness and affirm our love and commitment to Christ. Do not give in to despair, but be open to God’s grace to begin anew. With humility realize our littleness and frailty before God. Depend on Him to enable us to carry the task He has set before us. We must not let Him down, but follow in His footsteps, knowing He has paved the road before us.

     “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (Jn. 10 vs. 11 ).
   

1 comment:

  1. These familiar words bring such comfort Avia Joy. Knowing that the apostles, who were hand selected by Jesus, failed and yet were forgiven gives me hope. How many times have I failed to listen or were down trodden. Thank you for reminding us that Jesus loves us, forgives us and has confidence in us!

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