May 5, 2019 3rd Sunday of Easter-C

Acts of the Apostles 5:27-32, 40-41

Psalm 30

Revelation 5:11-14

John 21:1-19

“We must obey God rather than men.”  Acts 5:29

“Feed my sheep.” John 21:17

Lord, choosing Peter to lead your church after your ascension to heaven must have caught many off guard.  After all he folded like a house of cards when the pressure was on following your arrest.  He denied even knowing you.  If this man couldn’t be trusted while you were here, how could he be after you are gone?  This incident shows us that you look into the heart rather than the outside appearance.  You saw the potential strength and courage inside Peter after he received your gift of the Holy Spirit.  Peter was flawed just like we are but that didn’t disqualify him from following you or serving the people you chose.  He firmly stated his love for you on the sea shore and would go on to witness to that love the rest of his life.  Lord, thank you for not abandoning me when I have let you down.  I am just as flawed, maybe more so, than Peter.  You forgave him as you have forgiven me.  I rely on the graces of my Baptism and the gifts of the Spirit to follow you faithfully and to love as you have loved me.  Amen