Readings: Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19
“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (John 21:18)
If you do not love your work, you will soon start thinking about quitting. Before handing over the flock to Peter, Jesus needed to question Peter’s love for him. If Peter did not love Jesus more than anything else in life, his ministry would have suffered.
When we love, we can bear whatever suffering or pain that may result from that which we love. No matter how hot the kitchen may be, a woman who loves cooking will not step out. Jesus, knowing how hot the task of leadership would be and the persecutions ahead, needed to be sure that Peter truly loved him more than anything else.
For all those times, Peter would have to suffer; the only thing that would keep him going is the memory of his triple “yes” to Jesus’ question. Love is patient and kind; love takes no record of records; love never ends; love never gives up.
Jesus even went as far as predicting the kind of death Peter would die; how he would stretch his hands while others would tie his belt and take him where he does not wish to go.
Do I love God? Am I willing to let go of everything else for His sake, even when I am to get nothing in return? In truth, if I do not love God above everything else in this life, I would not be able to withstand whatever sacrifices my Christian faith would demand.
In today’s first reading, Paul was held in prison for the sake of the Gospel. King Agrippa reports Paul to Festus, the Roman Governor. King Agrippa notes how he tried to settle the matter, only for Paul’s accusers to start disputing among themselves, while he couldn’t find him guilty of any evil.
Paul, for his part, did not seem too disturbed, as he said to the Ephesians, “I have played my part, I am innocent of the blood of you all, (meaning: I am ready for anything now, even death).”
Like Paul, have you suffered or are you currently suffering anything for the sake of your Christian Faith? Remember, when the going gets tough, love keeps us going. Do not give up.
Let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts, and enkindle in us your Sacred Fire. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of the 7th week of Eastertide Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 25:13-21, Ps. 103:1-2,11-12,19-20, John 21:15-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu