By Anthony Jayaraj csc –
Readings: Acts 25: 13-21; Jn 21: 15-21
The question that Jesus asked Peter in the Gospel is not a general one but very personal. Love is more than a desire. It is a choice that one has to make and remain committed to it.
Jesus is asking me the same question, “Do you love me?” At times I do not realize the seriousness of this question: To love him is to live and be ready to go through life’s challenges, difficulties, pain, suffering and even death.
I am challenged by this passage today to say ‘Yes’ to the Lord with conviction. I believe that my response to his call should come from my personal experience of his presence through sacraments of the Church. How prepared am I to be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus?
Peter was annoyed at the constant probe of Jesus because he could not see what was in future for him. Neither do I know what is there for me in the days ahead, but I do know that Jesus will be with me. All that he needed to hear from me is my willingness and a firm ‘Yes’ to follow him. It is a real challenge yet worth trying day after day.