Jesus' Question : Do you Love me?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season: Seventh Week : Friday

*Gospel : Jn 21:15-19*

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

*Jesus' Question : Do you Love me?*

*1) One of the important questions*

In today's Gospel we have a beautiful and very meaningful question about Love 

At the outset it appears very simple and Peter answers this question very quickly 

In fact this question becomes very important and part and parcel of our life 

*2) Third time made to think*

Jesus asks this question three times to Peter 

First two times Peter answers this question very quickly. 

But when Jesus asked three times Peter began to think and His answer came after deep reflection 

*3) Jesus on Three times*

Jesus asks the same question three times 

First of all, when same question was asked for the third time, it highlights the importance of the question

So it is very clear that the question is not very common or casual question

Secondly, when the same question was asked for the third time, Peter began to think about the matter, and He gave a solid answer to the Question

*4) The Challenge to Love Jesus*

When Peter said third time that He Loves Jesus, we must pay attention to what followed afterwards 

Jesus says, *Feed my Sheep*. Its a mission 

Then follows the Challenges

There will be persecution, pain, rejection, crucifixion, and finally the martyrdom

So the question is very simple but answer involves the entire mission of life 

*5) Love and Family*

One of the best examples to understand the challenges of Peters mission is the Family 

The couple come together saying they love each other in everything till the death 

As they take up the mission of the Family they come to know the cost of loving each other 

It involve, challenges, problems, failures, pains, rejection, and finally a kind of martyrdom

*6) Love and My life*

How about my Life?

Jesus asks the same question to me

What is my answer? 

Do I feel that the answer to this question is very simple? 

Am I ready to take up the mission like Peter in Loving Jesus? 

Am I ready to face rejection, failures, pains, persecutions, for the sake of Jesus and to love Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*