A Reflection for the Optional Memorial of Saint John XXIII
He said to him the third time,
“Simon, son of John, do you like me?”
Peter was distressed that he had said to him a 3rd time,
“Do you like me?” and he said to him,
“Lord, you recognize every thing; you recognize that I really like you.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep” (Jn 21:17).
Today’s Gospel is from the very last chapter of John, and in it, Jesus reveals himself to the disciples for the third and final time after his death (at the very least in John’s account). Gone are the locked doors and hushed tones of their first post-resurrection encounter with Jesus within the Upper Room. Simon Peter and 6 other disciples appear to be getting back to “normal” life, the life they left behind when Jesus first said, “Follow me.” They’re again at sea fishing, and once more, their nets are turning up empty.
At dawn, a person from shore tells them to forged out the web out over the correct side of the boat, and once they do, they “weren’t capable of pull it in due to the variety of fish.” When Peter realizes it’s Jesus who has called out to them, he hikes up his garments, jumps into the ocean and runs to shore. His love for Jesus is so great, he simply cannot wait a minute longer to see his friend again. I’m sure most of us have experienced such a reunion.
Jesus makes clear that wallowing or going to back “normal” usually are not an option. Thrice he replies to Peter: Feed my sheep.
Once on shore, Jesus asks Peter 3 times: Do you like me? And 3 times, Peter responds: Yes, in fact, you recognize I really like you, Lord. You possibly can hear the distress in Peter’s growing every time Jesus asks the query. This too is a well-known experience: attempting to tell someone just how much you like them, and feeling prefer it isn’t getting through.
But, in fact, Peter is true: Jesus does know that Peter loves him. He will not be asking these inquiries to test Peter. Quite, he’s giving him an important gift: the chance to reverse the 3 times he denied Christ before the crucifixion. Perhaps Jesus realized there was still some guilt and shame in Peter’s heart over these denials, leading him to doubt his ability to perform Christ’s mission on earth.
But Jesus makes clear that wallowing or going to back “normal” usually are not an option. Thrice he replies to Peter: Feed my sheep.
As someone who didn’t grow up with a really touchy-feely faith, I find this scene difficult. Yes, I consider in Jesus, but do I love him? Love him enough to drop every thing, jump into the ocean and leave normal behind? Is there something in my life causing me shame and stopping me from leading the life God has envisioned for me?
I believe it’s a helpful prayer: Ask yourself, nevertheless again and again you would like: Do I really like the Lord? And listen for Jesus’ response. He may not inform you to maintain his entire flock like he asked Peter. But surely there’s a single lost sheep somewhere in your life that Jesus is asking you to are likely to today.
