Third Times a Charm

Do you have children? If so, I'm sure you have been asked the same questions multiple times. Maybe somewhat annoying isn't it? Do you sometimes feel, if you give a different answer, the questioning will stop? That might be what Peter was thinking when Jesus asked Peter three times,“Do you love me?” as recorded in John 21:15. This occurred when Jesus was having breakfast with His disciples soon after His resurrection. Jesus used this opportunity to encourage and exhort Peter about his upcoming responsibilities, and even to prophesy the manner in which Peter will die. By asking Peter, “Do you love me?” three times, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of Peter’s love and unswerving obedience to his Lord as necessary for his future ministry.

While Peter gave the same answer to Jesus all three times, did he know why Jesus was quizzing him in this way? We must remember of Peters boasting in John 18:17, as well as his threefold denial of Jesus after his arrest. The question "do you love me", why that question? That's tied into the role of Peter within the church. Jesus was stressing to Peter that he must love the sheep as Jesus did and does. Peter was receiving his role as shepherd at that moment. He was to tend to the sheep and feed them, spiritually. Is Jesus giving His flock to Peter? No He isn't, He is directing Peter to tend to his sheep.

In our lives would we answer the same way if questioned like Peter? Would we stand firm to what's in our hearts, or change words to be let off the hook? Stand Firm in your faith and accept the persecution that may come. Be proud to be a Catholic and a Christian. We are all invited to bear witness to Jesus by our lives and true humble discipleship.