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.
In moments of suffering, what kept Peter going was the memory of his triple “yes” to Jesus’ question. Love is patient and kind; love takes no record of wrongs; 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 did not wish to go.
We all claim to love God, but the true test of our love for God is the quality of our sacrifice. If I say I love God, am I willing to let go of everything else for His sake? Many claim to love God but are only interested in the outcome of their relationship with God. Hence, when circumstances seem to offer nothing in return, they become cold towards God.
If we truly examined our conscience, we would admit that we do not love God as much as we love those things we hope to gain from God. God’s gifts are temporary; they cannot satisfy the deep yearnings of our hearts because they are never enough. Let us pray today for an increase in our love for God. Let us pray that God may open our eyes to see that He alone is all we need.
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, are you currently suffering for the sake of your Christian Faith? Do not give up. When the going gets tough, love keeps us going.
Let us pray: O God, who by the glorification of your Christ and the light of the Holy Spirit has unlocked for us the gates of eternity, grant, we pray, that, partaking of so great a gift, our devotion may grow deeper and our faith be strengthened. 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