Word to the Wise
Sunday, April 10, 2016 - 3rd Sunday of Easter - C
[Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Rev 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 or 21:1-14]SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER [Acts 5:27-32, 40-41b; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19] "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" I surely hope that your preacher on this day chooses the longer version of the gospel scripture from the Gospel of John. The dialogue between Jesus and Peter with its threefold question and affirmation is truly powerful. We are immediately reminded of Peter's earlier threefold denial of Jesus during the passion account from this same gospel on Good Friday. The impulsive character of Peter with his dramatic response helps all of us to understand the depth of Jesus' mercy. It can be exasperating to have someone continually ask us for reassurance of our love. But if we are not constant, we have to understand why that reassurance is asked! The Sacrament of Reconciliation, in a way, is an occasion for answering Jesus' question. Another way is when someone we don't even know asks us for help. In the faces of the hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned or newly-arrived person there is Jesus' question, "Do you love me?" The dialogue between Jesus and Peter becomes a dialogue in which each of us is addressed. How do we respond? AMEN