Loving more than these

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Seventh Week:  Friday*

*Gospel :  John 21:15-19*

*First Reading : Acts 25: 13-21*

*Responsorial Psalm : 103:1-20*

*Loving more than these*

*1) Who are the “these”?*

There are three major interpretations.

*A) “These” = the other disciples* 

Jesus may be asking: “Do you love me more than these other disciples love me?” This connects strongly to Peter’s earlier boastful confidence. Earlier, Peter had said that even if everyone else fell away, he would not. In effect: “Others may fail you, but I won’t.”

So Jesus may now be gently confronting Peter’s old spiritual pride. Peter once compared himself favorably to others. After failure and humiliation, he no longer does that. He simply answers: “Lord, you know that I love you.” No comparisons. No boasting.

Failure often removes comparison from love. Before brokenness, people may say: “My faith is stronger.” “My loyalty is greater.” “I’m more devoted.”

After brokenness, love becomes quieter, humbler, more dependent on grace. 

This interpretation makes the passage a healing of Peter’s ego.

*B) “These” = the fishing equipment and old life*

The conversation happens right after the disciples have been fishing. Nets, boats, fish, and the familiar life of Galilee surround them.

Jesus may be asking: “Do you love me more than these things — this work, this security, this former life?”

Peter had returned temporarily to fishing after the trauma of the crucifixion. Fishing represented: familiarity, economic survival, identity before discipleship.

If so, Jesus is asking Peter whether he is willing once again to leave behind security for mission.

Every calling competes with something comfortable.

For Peter: boats, routine, competence, old identity.

For people today it may be: status, career, comfort, control, self-protection.

The question becomes: “What do you return to when your heart is wounded?”

Peter returned to fishing. Jesus returned to Peter.

That is one reason the scene is so powerful.

*C) “These” = everything present around him*

Some interpreters think the ambiguity is deliberate and expansive.

Jesus may be asking: “Do you love me more than all this world around you?”

Not merely people or objects, but every competing attachment.

This echoes a central biblical theme: love of God above all, the re-centering of life around divine relationship, discipleship as ultimate allegiance.

The deepest spiritual question is often not: “Do you believe?” but: “What do you love most?”

Because love reveals the true center of a person’s life.

*2)  Why compare at all?*

The comparison matters because love always competes with rival loyalties.

In Scripture, comparison language often reveals hierarchy of devotion:

family, possessions, reputation, ambition, even religious self-image.

Jesus is not asking Peter for emotional intensity alone. He is asking about priority.

The question is existential: “What stands first in your heart now?

*3) Why ask Peter publicly?*

The restoration is public because the denial was public. Peter failed openly. Now he is recommissioned openly.

Immediately after each answer, Jesus says: “Feed my lambs.” “Tend my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.”

Love is tied to responsibility. This is one of the most important transitions in Christian spirituality: love for Christ becomes service to people.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*