Peter Do You Love me? - Why this question Three times?

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 7th Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL -  Jn 21:15-19*

*First Reading - Acts 25:13b-21*

*Peter Do You Love me? - Why this question Three times?*

*1) Do You Love Me?*

Jesus asked this question to Peter three times. Why? What is the significance of it? 

*First Time : Do you Love me?*

When Jesus asked for the first time, Peter didn't think much about it 

He might have answered casually, but with firm determination, without any doubt

So there isn't anything special when he was asked for the first. As usual he answered the question

*Second Time : Do you love me?*

second time when Jesus asked the same question, Peter became little alert and began to think about the real meaning of the question

He might have thought that there is something special in the question, that is why Jesus is asking the same question

There is no doubt that the reaction of Peter was different than that of first time when he answered the same question second time 

*Third Time : Do You Love me?*

Third time when Jesus asked the same question,  the reaction of Peter was quite different 

Peter was disturbed when he heard the same question for the third time 

He felt a kind of pain in his heart when he heard the same words third time 

In a way he was not happy to hear these words for the third time 

He might have doubted once again whether Jesus believes in his words or not 

Above all the same words for the third time made Peter to think more about the question or to reflect about the deeper meaning and implications of the question

*2) Three times denial and three times affirmation*

Peter denied Jesus three times during the trial of Jesus 

The reaction of Peter is quite similar in the denial and in today's episode 

In the denial after the third time he realised his mistake, he was deeply troubled and he cried bitterly 

When the denial took place at the first and second time he didn't think much of it 

In today's episode the reaction of Peter is somewhat similar. 

Only when Jesus asked third time Peter was disturbed and underwent some kind of pain 

So three times denial was nullified by three times affirming that he really Loves Jesus 

*3) Three is a perfect Number*

Number 3 is one of the most important numbers through Bible, it is a number of harmony, of God's presence and of completeness. 

 Number 3 is the number of eternal life, as he was resurrected after three days of being dead.

 Three people saw the Holy Transfiguration of Jesus, they were” Peter, John and James.

So this question asking three times has its own relevance

*4)Three times means something special and important*

When something is asked again and again it appears that something is very important and has something to do at present 

So one needs to pay attention to the things when it is asked for third time 

*5) Three times asked question revealed great Truth*

The simple question *Do You love me* finally revealed great truths about Peters life 

What type of ministry Peter will have, what types challenges he will face and how he will bear witness to the Lord, through His martyrs is clearly reflected in the above question

So it revealed great truths about Peter's life

*6) Do you Love me is not a easy question to answer*

Even though the question appears to be very simple, the answer to this question is very difficult and challenging one 

It is challenging because the answer involves our very life itself 

Answer to the above question involves, our commitment, disciplined way of life, holiness, sacrifice, courage, goodwill to follow Jesus, humility, selflessness, kindness, forgiveness, and all other kingdom values 

So our life itself is an answer to this question. That is why it is difficult and challenging

*7) What is my answer?*

The same Lord asks the same question to me. What is my response? 

Am I irritated to listen to this question? 

Am l afraid to answer this question?

Do I feel that it is an irrelevant question to my life?

Do I answer this question in a superficial way?

Do I ignore this question in my life? 

Or am I comfortable with this question? 

Do I feel happy to listen and answer this question? 

Do I feel that it is an opportunity to bear witness to my Lord? 

Do I feel that this way is the real way to happiness and blessed life? 

Has my life really involved in answering this question?

Think about it and answer to this question?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*