May 29, 2020 Friday of the 7th Week of Easter—A St. Paul VI Pope
Acts of the Apostles: 25:13-21
Psalm 103
John 21:15-19
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” John 21:17
Lord, in today’s gospel you have a dialog with Simon Peter whom you had chosen to be the leader of your church. You were about to leave the church in the hands of the chosen few that had followed you for three years. It seems this conversation was like a job interview. What you didn’t ask him was he qualified to be a CEO of a multinational organization? You didn’t ask him if he could compose theological treatises. You didn’t ask him if he could design and build great cathedrals or churches. You wanted assurance that Peter could love. When you heard him answer “Yes” you told him how to be successful at his new job as shepherd of your people. You told him to tend and feed the people of God. You expected him to love and be merciful as you were. Lord, like Peter, I am called first and foremost to feed and tend my brothers and sisters in your love and mercy. The most fundamental vocation of the Christian life is to feed, tend and love those you have placed in my life. Your primary commandment is to love God and love our neighbor. It sounds like you were satisfied that Peter could handle the job. I hope you believe in me as well to do what you command. Amen Alleluia