June 3, 2022, Friday of the 7th Week of Easter-C ST. CHARLES LWANGA AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
Acts of the Apostles 25:13b-21
Psalm 103
John 21:15-19
“…Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” John 21:17
Lord, how would I answer you if you asked me three times “do you love me”? First, I’d be amazed that you would ask the question. I believe you know better than I do how much I love you. You know how I can be wishy-washy about my love and commitment to you. I have good intentions, like Peter did when he swore complete allegiance to you. You know also that I am weak and maybe would have, like Peter, denied you if it appeared I was in danger of being too close to you. Lord, thank you for calling me to follow you. Help me to love others so that I may love you more fully. Thank you for not expecting me to be perfect. Thank you for challenging me and filling me with your grace. Thank you for loving me despite all my failures and half-hearted love of you. You forgave Peter his grave sin, forgive me mine. Then you gave him great responsibility. Your confidence in him encourages me that you believe in me too. I want to love others more and to fill my heart with love of you. St. Charles and Companions pray for me. Amen